On National Gun Violence Awareness Day, Lexington families unite to advocate for a safer summer amidst rising concerns about gun violence in the city. Parents, like Davita Gatewood, whose son’s father was a victim of a shooting, emphasize the urgent need for educating youth about safety and the effects of gun violence during school breaks when incidents often escalate.
Recent police data indicates a troubling trend, showing an average increase in shooting investigations during the summer months. While last summer saw a decrease to 21 non-fatal shooting investigations from 44 in 2021, community leaders stress that the number of shootings remains unacceptable. Deana Mullins, a member of Moms Demand Action and a mother who lost her son to gun violence, highlights the necessity of conflict resolution education in preventing further tragedies. Lexington police assure the community of a continued visible presence, although specific summer safety strategies remain undisclosed due to security concerns.
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