Indianapolis Irvington Council Asks Mayor Hogsett to Skip Halloween Festival Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

The Historic Irvington Community Council has formally requested Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett not to attend the Irvington Halloween Festival due to concerns from sexual harassment survivors in the neighborhood linked to allegations against his former Chief of Staff, Thomas Cook. At least three women accused Cook of sexual misconduct during his tenure, and critics argue that Hogsett continued to employ him despite the accusations. Further investigations revealed that after Cook's 2020 resignation over a prohibited relationship with a subordinate, he joined a law firm representing clients seeking city incentives, while the subordinate was promoted within a city agency, raising conflict of interest concerns. The council's letter emphasized that Hogsett's presence could be distracting or re-traumatizing for community members, especially survivors. Hogsett's office cited procedural reasons for his absence, stating the mayor was not officially invited through the proper channels. The situation has sparked wider community and political criticism, with several city-county councilors calling for Hogsett's resignation amid the controversy.