Our hearts and thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, the victims grappling with trauma, and all the members of our community who are feeling the pain and fear caused by the recent gun violence in Asheville.
Over the past three days, Asheville has experienced multiple incidents of gun violence that directly affected our city. While these incidents appear unrelated, some of these incidents were conflicts that escalated into the use of firearms. Behind every one of those incidents is a person, a family and a neighborhood impacted. Our residents deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods and public spaces, and we must work together as a community, not just during crises, but through ongoing efforts to promote peace and safety for everyone.
The Asheville Police Department is actively investigating these incidents. In addition, the APD is collaborating with its federal, state, and local partners, focusing on identifying and prosecuting repeat violent gun offenders. The APD has also increased police presence in areas where gun violence has occurred…