CMPD & Local Leaders Join Together to Raise Awareness on Gun Violence
Published on June 02, 2023
Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, June 2, 2023) – Today the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is joining with local, state, and federal partners to call for meaningful action to curb gun violence. June 2nd marks National Gun Violence Awareness Day, honoring victims and survivors of gun violence.
Today, CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings addressed media members along with U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Dena King, Mayor Pro-Tem Braxton Winston, Charlotte City Manager Marcus Jones, Charlotte Director of Community Relations Willie Ratchford, Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather, and representatives from Charlotte Fire, MEDIC, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, and the ATF.
Chief Jennings and local leaders addressed the issue of firearm-related violence in Charlotte and the need to develop and implement shared community-based solutions. Attendees also heard from a Charlotte mother Clydia Hemingway, who lost her son to gun violence.
“There is no one who is unaffected by the public health crisis that is gun violence,” said Chief Johnny Jennings. “Victims result from every pull of the trigger in our City. We need community involvement from every corner and from every walk of life, for the good of Charlotte.”
In 2023, there have been 2,359 victims of firearm-related violent crime in Charlotte, down approximately 4% from the same period in 2022. The following statistical breakdown below provides an overall snapshot of gun-related crime in Charlotte in 2023.
- Homicide by Firearm Victims: 27
- Homicide by Firearm Victims (under 18): 3
- Juvenile Victims of Violent Crime Involving Firearms: 426
- Juveniles Suspects of Violent Crime Involving Firearms: 90
- Shooting into Occupied Property Incidents: 342
- Guns Found/Seized as Evidence: 1,392
- Guns Stolen: 679
Curbing violent crime is Chief Johnny Jennings’ and the CMPD’s top priority and the Department acknowledges that there is no acceptable level of gun violence. CMPD is committed to working with the citizens of Charlotte and community partners toward eradicating gun violence.
“This is a worthy cause. It is an effort that should receive our undivided attention and an investment that I am confident will produce results,” said Chief Johnny Jennings. “Preventing continued victimization in our community, for our community – is what we owe to each other.”