WILMINGTON, Del. – On Thursday evening, city officials gathered with neighborhood residents for a public forum focused on curbing the recent spike in gun violence. The meeting, held at the Wilmington Community Center, drew a sizable crowd whose concerns ranged from personal safety to the need for more youth services.
Recent shooting statistics
Police reported eight separate shooting incidents in September, resulting in 13 people being shot. Victims’ ages spanned from 15 to 47, and three of those injured died. The uptick follows a period last year when Wilmington recorded its lowest number of shootings in two decades.
City leadership outlines response plans
Chief Wilfredo Campos acknowledged the troubling trend but reminded attendees that the city has historically experienced lower violence rates. “We’re always going to have some bumps in the road where activity increases, but we have plans in place to mitigate that activity,” Campos said.
Campos highlighted ongoing partnerships with community organizations that focus on early‑intervention and youth programming. He noted that expanding outreach and creating individualized service plans are essential steps toward rebuilding trust between law enforcement and residents.
Mayor emphasizes parental involvement and gun safety
Mayor John Carney stressed the importance of removing firearms from young people and preventing gang recruitment. He urged parents to take an active role in their children’s lives, stating, “It’s up to the parents to get the kids involved. Once you have the kids involved, you don’t have to worry about them running around shooting guns.”
Carney also addressed the community’s concerns about police conduct, acknowledging the pain surrounding the June shooting death of 19‑year‑old Kadir Skinner, who was killed by an officer. The mayor said the city is awaiting the attorney general’s investigation and pledged to keep the process transparent.
Residents voice frustrations and hopes
Several attendees expressed fear for their personal safety. “I have to be home before dark because I’m afraid,” said resident Princess Roane. Others criticized the perceived lack of respect from police officers during interactions, with one participant stating, “When Wilmington police come out, they do not give us the respect that we are due.”
Community Safety Director John Cook underscored the need for expanded employment opportunities as part of a broader violence‑prevention strategy. “While increasing outreach, we recognize you have to increase the opportunities for employment,” Cook said.
Next steps
The city announced that this forum is the first of several planned community meetings aimed at fostering dialogue and refining the city’s safety plan. Residents who felt their questions were unanswered were encouraged to attend future sessions for more detailed information.
Mayor Carney concluded, “I hear the question, and I acknowledge the pain. I don’t know what the investigation will reveal, but I know we need to rise above this and keep our city together.”
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
