Columbus police will have a more noticeable presence than usual in the Short North as nightlife ramps up this weekend.
City leaders announced Thursday there will be a dramatic increase in police officers and the tall surveillance towers that were seen last year will also return to the area. This year, CPD is adding bike patrols, more cameras, more lighting and employing tactics to crack down on potential violence.
The city is taking precautions following another mass shooting that left 10 injured last weekend. In May 2023, multiple shootings in the Short North left another 10 people hurt.
Unlike last year, the city will not ask businesses to close early and will not force the street food carts off the sidewalk.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said there will be a dusk curfew in place for children under the age of 13 and a midnight curfew for teens under the age of 18.
"We haven't taken anything off the table. This is where we're starting for this weekend. And the plan may continue to evolve because, quite honestly, we want to fight and prevent crime from taking place in the first place," Ginther said.
Police are never absent from the arts district on a normal weekend night. Police are often stationed outside of some bars next to bouncers like Galla Park Social and Standard Hall, which is near the scene of last weekend's mass shooting.
Ginther and CPD 1st Assistant Chief LaShanna Potts said what makes this year different is officers will be focused on hours after midnight and in areas people may gather in large groups after bars close like parking garages and parking lots.
"Anytime you have a mass shooting where 10 people are shot, all of us need to be outraged and recommit to one another, to this neighborhood, in neighborhoods throughout our city, that we're not going to accept this," Ginther said.
Ginther also criticized the Ohio Legislature for refusing to pass any meaningful legislation aimed at reducing gun violence.
"If you're frustrated and pissed about gun violence. Do your research, do your homework and go out and vote for people who share our values, who believe in universal background checks, that believe in banning assault weapons, that believe in red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of violent offenders,"Ginther said.
Short North Alliance Executive Director Betsy Pandora said the neighborhood isn't deterred by the violence and is prepared for the increased police presence this weekend.
"I think we're really, really focused on making sure that everyone understands how safe the Short North community is. And, you know, the measures that are put in place are meant to be responsive to the given circumstances of what occurred this past weekend," Pandora said.
Columbus police did not provide an update Wednesday on efforts to apprehend the suspected shooters from last week's shooting.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives issued a $10,000 reward earlier this week for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
So far, one person has been arrested in connection with last weekend's shooting. Deangelo Russell, 19, is charged with obstructing official business.
