Officials Discuss Downtown Pittsburgh Safety

May 13, 2026 4:57 am

PITTSBURGH — Members of law enforcement joined community members and advocates for a forum on Downtown Pittsburgh safety on Tuesday. The forum was pre-planned, but it came just a day after a 19-year-old was shot and killed near the Chipotle in Market Square. Market Square itself has been the topic of controversy. Since reopening following a $15 million renovation, a new chaperone policy has been in place. Teens under 18 are required to have an adult over 21 with them Thursday through Sunday. That policy was the subject of criticism by some at the forum. “Where are they supposed to go? What fun activities do we have throughout Pittsburgh where my kid can leave my home and feel comfortable?” a mother of teenagers said. Leaders spoke about the need for it. “It’s a known fact that we have increased activity in and around Market Square,” Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Sheldon Williams said. “Because some of the behavior we see is with juveniles, there is an added level of complexity.” They also asked for clarity regarding the chaperone policy and argued that Pittsburgh is criminalizing all youth for the actions of some.