Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who previously supported cutting the police budget, is now pushing for “increased patrols in high-crime areas” after the shooting of a popular chef plunged the city into unrest.
According to police, 44-year-old Irish immigrant Sean Brady was shot and killed outside the restaurant he owned just after 5pm on August 28th.
“Preliminary investigation indicates the victim was taking out the trash when he noticed multiple individuals near his vehicle,” Kansas City police told Fox News Digital. “Contact occurred between the victim and the individuals, which led to the victim being shot.”
Police responded and Brady was taken to hospital, where he later died.
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Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who previously supported cutting the police budget, is now calling for more police. (Facebook/Quinton Lucas)
“Like many in our community, I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Shawn Brady. I met him, laughed with him, heard some of his stories and his family, and was inspired by the business and community he built in Kansas City. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and all who knew him.” Lucas said in a statement..
“It's even more heartbreaking to learn how he died because of renewed violence in our community,” he added.
Gun violence in Kansas City made national headlines in February when a shooting during a Super Bowl parade left one person dead and more than 20 injured.
Kansas City saw 182 homicides in 2023, making it the city's deadliest year on record, according to the Kansas City Police Department. Daily murder analysis.
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Lucas in 2022 Sued the state of Missouri City council members who oppose new legislation that would require the city to increase its police department budget are now calling for an increased police presence.
“For years, but especially in recent months, business owners not only in Brookside and Waldo, but also on Prospect Street, Crossroads and many other areas of the city have expressed serious concerns about the increase in property and nuisance crimes that are harassing their stores, parking lots and customers,” Lucas wrote in the post.
“Truly acknowledging the staffing challenges we face, we must continue to work with KCPD and the public to keep officers optimally deployed to increase patrols in areas rocked by ongoing criminal activity, such as break-ins, auto thefts and other repeat nuisance crimes.”
Police said two teenagers were arrested and taken into custody within an hour of Brady's shooting. Jackson County court officials told Fox News Digital that the two teens were charged with second-degree murder and remain in custody, as well as attempted burglary.
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Brady co-owned and operated Brady & Fox Restaurant & Lounge (aka Brady's KC) with chef and friend Graham Farris.
He leaves behind a wife and two young children, according to a family fundraising page.
“As a chef, Shawn Brady nurtured his community not only with his incredible food, but also with his deep cultural pride and infectious enthusiasm for celebration,” the GoFundMe page organizers wrote. “The light he brought to the Irish community will live on forever through those touched by his talent, spirit and joy for life.”
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Brady was beloved by Kansas City's Irish community.
“Our hearts are completely broken,” the Kansas City Irish Festival said in a statement. Statement on Facebook. “His restaurant, Brady and Fox, was a gathering place for many in the Irish community. Bringing people together through his culinary creations was one of Sean's greatest talents.”
The Kansas City mayor's office did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
