BOISE — The murder of a local 25-year-old on the Boise River Greenbelt has led to criticism over the city’s handling of homelessness, and the mayor has responded.
Jordan Harbst was found dead in the early hours of July 6 on the greenbelt near 11th Street. Police believe Harbst was stabbed to death by Ross Wardlaw, 41, and that neither man knew the other prior to the incident. Wardlaw faces a felony charge of first-degree murder.
Monday evening, state Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, and Speaker of the House Mike Moyle, R-Star, issued a statement “expressing outrage” and directing blame toward the city of Boise. Discussion surrounding the incident has shifted toward homelessness.
Wardlaw was known as an unhoused individual who has faced previous violent and nonviolent charges. His criminal records show instances of being in a park after closure and allegations of aggravated assaults.
“Idahoans who use the Boise greenbelt, float the Boise River or visit a downtown restaurant should not have to fear for their safety because (of) Boise,” Moyle said in the release. “Mayor Lauren McLean won’t follow the law. We are a nation of laws, and Idahoans expect our public officials to follow the law. It is sad and infuriating to see a possibly preventable crime occur because Boise won’t enforce the law.”
The statement refers to the passage of a law in 2025 that requires cities to enforce bans on camping or overnight stays in public places. Skaug and Moyle allege that the camping ban, meant to address homelessness, “has not been enforced along the greenbelt and city parks.”
Skaug said the Harbst family should seek a wrongful death case against the city.
“This attack is a tragedy,” Skaug, co-sponsor of the camping law, said in the statement. “But it is even more horrific because it may have been prevented.”
Responding to the statement, McLean spoke with the Idaho Press on Tuesday, saying now was not the time to point fingers.
In addition, she maintained that the Boise Police Department does enforce the camping law.
“From day one, our officers have enforced the law, and to insinuate that they are neglecting their job — it is really unfortunate because these men and women have dedicated their lives to the safety of our community,” McLean said.
She was surprised by the legislators’ harsh criticism in the Monday evening statement. Instead, she expressed that now is the time for grieving and healing, while also looking constructively for safety solutions.
“It’s the time for me — in the city, our police department, our parks department — to be clear that we are a safe city,” McLean said. “... That’s top of mind for me. And that’s why you’re going to see more (police officers) along the greenbelt. But in a moment like this, politics should not come into play.”
When the camping ban went into effect, McLean said she was not in agreement with it, but worked to enforce it and comply with the law. During this time, she said she spoke with the Office of the Attorney General and was in communication with the law’s co-sponsor, Sen. Codi Galloway, R-Boise.
McLean said there is no “silver bullet” to address homelessness but that the city has been using its resources to tackle the challenge despite a lack of state-level support. Over the past year, Boise has seen a 25% decrease in unsheltered homelessness, according to the city.
The Boise approach: Putting people first, McLean said.
“That means holding people accountable, ensuring that we invest in both short-term and long-term solutions, and that we work together to do it,” she said.
The city has made efforts to introduce transition housing and affordable housing opportunities. Through philanthropy, the city has raised over $15 million to address homelessness. And all this progress, McLean said, was made without state support.
“In many states, the wraparound services for housing are allowed to be covered by Medicaid. In this state, they won’t do that,” McLean said. “The private, business and philanthropy community has stepped up and met us, and that’s how we were able to raise $15 million.”
Idaho is also one of few states that does not fund affordable housing. Despite the existence of a housing fund, it has sat empty since its establishment in 1992, according to a 2021 Idaho Capital Sun report.
What could have been a push to work toward a common goal following tragedy has instead been politicized, McLean said.
“To play politics in a moment like this was shocking to me,” she said.
Harbst’s murder was followed by a July 11 assault on the greenbelt just 1.5 miles away near Ferguson Street. Following the incidents, the BPD and city announced an increase in patrols.
“We can have a discussion about long-term solutions,” McLean said. “But first, in this moment, I need to be there for the family and the community.”