ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Jennifer Brady is not afraid when shopping for her favorite chocolate in downtown Roanoke. She’s lived in the city for 30 years, and despite what some say about gun violence in her hometown, she believes it’s a great place to live. “It appears worse because there’s so much media attention. I walk a lot, and I don’t feel scared when I’m out walking,” said Brady.
Gun violence in the city has been up and down. 2023 marked the bloodiest year in Roanoke’s history, with around 30 murders — almost all from firearms. Last year, the number of shootings dropped in half. But three shootings within a 10-hour window just last month thrust the issue back into conversations. One person was killed and three others injured, including two teens.
Keith Farmer, the founder of Straight Street, says the solution begins with reaching young people. “You talk to some of these kids, and they say ‘Will I be alive tomorrow?’ It can be very discouraging but also as a ministry we realize there is hope.”…