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.
We call on the entire Asheville community to join in preventing further violence. Stopping gun violence requires more than law enforcement; it requires the coordinated efforts of city leaders, community members, and organizations working together. It also requires partnerships to ensure that those who inflict harm on our community members are held accountable for their actions. By sharing information and cooperating with police, residents can help minimize retaliation, solve crimes more quickly, and create safer neighborhoods for everyone.
For those who would like to share information anonymously, please contact APD at (828) 252-1110.
You can also send an anonymous tip using the TIP2APD smartphone application (search “Asheville PD” in your app store) or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.