CMPD Highlights Progress and Partnership in Fight Against Gun Violence

Published on June 05, 2026

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Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, June 5, 2026) – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), joined by federal, state, and local partners, held a press conference today in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, underscoring the collective and ongoing commitment to reducing gun violence across Charlotte.

The event brought together representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Police Department, members of Charlotte City Council. Community advocates also stood alongside law enforcement in support of the cause.

CMPD Police Chief Estella D. Patterson opened the program by honoring the families affected by gun violence, emphasizing the profound and lasting impact shootings have on victims, neighborhoods, and the city as a whole.

“People often think of gun violence as a single act committed by a single individual against a single victim. But that is not how communities experience it,” Chief Patterson said. “A shooting is more like dropping a rock into a still lake. The impact point may be small, but the ripples spread outward in every direction. That is why CMPD approaches the work of tackling gun violence with great urgency, with compassion and with a commitment to accountability.”

Chief Patterson highlighted several key areas:

  • Strong investigative outcomes: CMPD currently holds a 76 percent homicide clearance rate for 2026, with detectives continuing to make progress in open cases through persistent investigative work.
  • Firearms enforcement: As of May 31, CMPD has seized 1,855 illegally possessed firearms, marking a 14 percent increase from the same period last year.
  • Violent crime trends: Charlotte has experienced 563 assaults with a deadly weapon involving a firearm so far this year—an 8 percent decrease compared to 2025.
  • Ongoing prevention: Investments in programs that address the root causes of violence, reduce juvenile access to firearms and create opportunities for at-risk youth and families. 

Initiatives such as Queen City Safe emphasize how enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. Through coordinated, data-driven operations with federal and local partners, the Queen City Safe Initiative has led to 109 arrests and 54 firearm seizures from January through May 2026. Partnerships with ATF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the FBI, community organizations and grassroots advocates remain central to CMPD’s strategy.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Russ Ferguson underscored the importance of federal, state, and local coordination in holding violent offenders accountable and preventing future acts of gun violence.

“On Gun Violence Awareness Day, we stand with our law enforcement and community partners to remember victims of gun violence and reaffirm our commitment to preventing future tragedies through enforcement, prevention, and intervention,” said Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “Together, we can help build safer communities for all.”

“No single agency can take on this fight alone,” noted ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn Stallo, echoing the power of partnerships in reducing gun violence. “And it’s through the partnerships we have in place that we’ve seen successes in the efforts to curb violent crime.”

The conference also featured Ms. Clydia Davis, a Charlotte resident who has personally experienced the impact of gun violence.

“Gun violence has a dramatic and lasting impact on lives. Gun violence is traumatizing,” noted Ms. Davis. “It is imperative to speak out boldly to the problem of gun violence. Living with the trauma of gun violence is hard. We are not survivors. We are functional sufferers. We got to make a change.”

CMPD reaffirmed its commitment to both accountability and prevention, urging residents to remain vigilant and use their voices and report concerning behavior before violence occurs.

“We cannot wait until the trigger is pulled,” Chief Patterson said. “If you see something, say something. Preventing gun violence does not begin at the crime scene. It begins when ordinary people make the extraordinary decision to speak up before it is too late.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to call 911 to report suspicious activity immediately so that officers can respond and address concerns in real time. The public can also anonymously share information that could help solve crimes through Charlotte Crime Stoppers by calling 704.334.1600, using the P3 Tips Mobile App or visiting charlottecrimestoppers.com.

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