Mayor Lopez Issues Statement Regarding Downtown Days
Please see the statement below from Lee’s Summit Mayor Beto Lopez.
Fellow Lee’s Summit Residents:
My Council colleagues and I have heard from many residents and business owners regarding the incidents that occurred last weekend at Downtown Days.
The Lee’s Summit Police Department has been investigating those events. I want to assure our residents and business owners - particularly those in our downtown area - that this incident does not define our city or reflect who we are.
Lee’s Summit is a strong, thriving community. We are a destination for people throughout the region and a place many are choosing to call home because of our quality of life, our amenities, and our sense of community.
It is extremely unfortunate that this occurred at the end of what was otherwise a great weekend. However, I am grateful for both the police department and the Lee’s Summit Fire Department for their swift, measured, and professional response to protect the public. Downtown Lee’s Summit had numerous police officers and additional security present, and they responded quickly to de-escalate the situation. Their preparation and planning undoubtedly helped prevent serious injuries.
It is important to note that the individuals involved were minors, so the Police Department is limited in what information it can share. We will continue to review the events of that evening and evaluate ways this mayhem could have been avoided or prevented.
As a community, we all have a role to play in providing a safe environment where our youth can thrive. I would encourage our residents to work alongside local organizations such as Pro Deo Youth Center and Lee’s Summit CARES, which focus on positive programs, support, and opportunities for young people. While Downtown Days is not an event sponsored by the City, we will continue to work with organizers of upcoming special events to develop plans that help prevent similar issues from occurring in our community.
We take great pride in the fact that Lee’s Summit is a public safety-minded city and continues to be a safe place to live, work and play. We will continue working with our Police Department and public safety officials to ensure it remains that way.
Respectfully,
Mayor J. Beto Lopez