LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville's mayoral candidates are responding following the attempted shooting of Craig Greenberg Monday morning.
According to police, someone opened fire at Greenberg's campaign office on Story Ave. around 10:15 a.m. Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) Chief Erika Shields said Greenberg was the intended target and a round grazed his clothing, but no one was physically injured.
Chief Shields said the possible suspect, on Monday night identified as 21-year-old Quintez Brown, was taken into custody shortly after the incident.
Police are still investigating what motivated Brown, who's being charged with attempted murder and four counts of wanton endangerment.
Chief Shields said they are considering everything, including potential political and religious motivations.
Mayoral candidates respond
Here are the responses from the other candidates running for Louisville mayor:
Bill Dieruf
Public statement: "Our prayers go out to Democratic mayoral candidate Craig Greenberg and his family and staff. The shooting incident at his office today cannot be condoned. Trust that an incident such as this must not deter candidates from seeking the very best for this community."
When Dieruf spoke with WHAS11, he said he hadn't yet reached out to Greenberg but had spoken with Metro Council President David James to share his concern.
"We have to, as candidates, all join forces and say, 'This is not accepted' and we need to move forward to make it a safe place to where your vote counts," Dieruf said. "We don't... do this by violence. We do this by the ballot box."
Timothy Findley, Jr.
"I'm praying for the safety of Mr. Greenberg his staff and all of the mayoral candidates. We have a fierce battle going on politically, but none of us want to see this kind of violence take place."
In an interview with WHAS11, Findley said he spoke to Greenberg a few hours after the shooting. He said Greenberg just kept saying that he "was grateful to be alive."
Police advised Findley to be vigilant following the shooting and said he's dealt with threats before so he's taking the situation "very seriously."
David Nicholson
"My thoughts are with the Greenberg family and campaign team. I have spoken with Craig and understand they are all safe and I am thankful for that."
Nicholson told WHAS11 that the situation was "extremely tragic" and is praying for Greenberg's family and his team.
He added that he had no concerns about moving forward with his mayoral campaign and is following the safety plan his team has in place.
Shameka Parrish-Wright
"My thoughts and prayers are with Craig and his family. My family and myself have seen gun violence over and over and everyone on all sides is impacted. I heard he was grazed. I wish him well. My team and family have been worried about my safety. No candidate should have to deal with this.”
When Parrish-Wright spoke with WHAS11, she said the incident did highlight the issue of security.
"I've been in the public light for a while and I've ran for office before and so my family has already started to prepare," she said. "But my 12-year-old son, who's in middle school, said, "Mom, I do not want them to kill you.'"
While Chief Shields said there was no indication that other candidates could be in danger, many have chosen to take extra security precautions following Monday's incident.
Community response
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer
The current mayor of Louisville released the following statement:
“I am very saddened by this attack at the offices of political candidate Craig Greenberg. I have spoken to Mr. Greenberg and am grateful that no one was injured. I’m thankful to LMPD and our federal partners for their quick response in clearing the scene and detaining a possible suspect.”
Metro Council President David James
David James said he got a call from Greenberg not long after the incident.
"He just told me someone had come into the office where the campaign headquarters is and attempted to kill him," said James, who publicly endorsed Greenberg to be Louisville's next mayor months ago. "I could hear the urgency and stress in his voice, which caused urgency and stress in me because he's a really good friend of mine. I'm friends with him, his children, his family, and to think he could have been killed is hard."
James said he calls the incident an "assassination attempt" because Greenberg was the only target. He said he knows there were multiple shots fired.
"I don't believe it was anything random," James said. "In order to go to his office, you actually have to know where that office is and find your way up the elevator. This was very intentional."
James said from what he's been told, Greenberg is not familiar and did not recognize the person who fired shots at him.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear
Andy Beshear released a statement Monday afternoon on Twitter.
"I was appalled to learn about the attempt on Craig Greenberg’s life," Beshear said. "I have spoken with Craig and I am grateful that he is physically unharmed. Violence is never the answer. Britainy and I are holding him close in prayer."
This story will be updated as other candidates release statements on the shooting.
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