Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton says all citizens of the bluegrass community should be concerned and driven for solutions to gun violence among youth. The mayor and police chief offered emotional pleas during a city hall news conference Thursday.
Mayor Gorton began her remarks by saying Lexington has lost six teenagers to gun violence since April 21st with another tragic shooting Wednesday afternoon. “Today I issue a call to action. Lexington, even in these challenging times, we must unite to help our children,” said Gorton.
Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said there’s not one common denominator for the teenage deaths. He noted it can result from arguing or an activity they shouldn’t be involved in. The chief said he couldn’t say broadly, it’s a fascination with guns. Weathers said listening is honorable. “Our youth are telling us something. To me, they’re telling me they’re looking for direction. They are struggling and they are hurting. We need to honor them by listening,” explained Weathers.
The police chief said his department doesn’t deny gang-like activity exist in Lexington. But Weathers said it’s not in a traditional gang format, which create challenges in tracking activities. The chief doesn’t believe recent homicides are gang related.
Mayor Gorton said the problem is heightened during coronavirus when young people are cut off from adult leaders like coaches, teachers, and church officials. She called on parents and all adults to heed the message to stay involved with youth. “I’ve raised a son and they become bigger than the mom usually and it’s a big challenge to raise a teenager and to help them be resilient enough and make the proper choices when they have all this peer pressure,” said Gorton.
Chief Weathers noted often teenagers obtain guns that are left in vehicles, unsecured at home, or even purchased by an adult for them.
Here's Chief Weathers prepared remarks during Thursday's news conference at city hall:
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