Kentucky Man Sentenced for Shooting at Mayoral Candidate

Quintez Brown, a Kentucky man who fired multiple shots at Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg during his mayoral campaign in 2022, was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison on Friday. The federal court sentencing followed Brown’s guilty plea to charges of interfering with a federally protected activity and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.

The 2022 Shooting Incident

The February 14, 2022, attack occurred inside Greenberg’s campaign office. Brown fired six shots, one of which grazed Greenberg’s sweater. Greenberg was unharmed, and a staffer managed to close the door on Brown, who fled the scene. Brown was arrested shortly after.

Greenberg, who was later elected mayor, recounted the traumatic event during the sentencing hearing. “I saw a gun pointed directly at me, and I’ll never forget the sound of those gunshots,” he told the court. He also described the lasting emotional toll of the attack, which left him feeling “fear and confusion” for days.

A Premeditated Act

Federal prosecutors detailed how Brown planned the attack, searching for Greenberg’s campaign headquarters and personal information online. Brown visited Greenberg’s home the night before the shooting but experienced issues with his weapon. He subsequently purchased another gun from a pawn shop the next day and went to Greenberg’s office, firing multiple rounds at him.

U.S. District Judge Benjamin Beaton emphasized the premeditated nature of the attack and its threat to the political system, ordering five years of supervised release following Brown’s prison term.

Brown’s Apology and Defense

During the hearing, Brown, a former student and columnist who was running for city council at the time, expressed remorse. “When I shot that gun, I taught everybody a wrong lesson,” he said, apologizing to Greenberg and his staff.

Brown’s defense attorneys argued for leniency, citing his lack of a criminal record and a mental health episode at the time of the shooting.

State Charges Still Pending

Brown still faces state charges, including attempted murder and wanton endangerment. However, those cases are not expected to add to his federal sentence.

This high-profile case has left a lasting impact on Louisville, raising concerns about safety, mental health, and the integrity of the political process.