What I'm worried about is when everybody decides they want to carry and all the incidents that stem from the idiots who aren't as careful as people who have owned them for years.
your worry is not unfounded. i'm in norfolk...and because i attend a university that sits in a high crime area...specifically prone to gun violence i got this email from the chief of police...looking for a solution to the problem.
NORFOLK INCIDENT NOTIFICATION: A MESSAGE FROM NORFOLK POLICE CHIEF GOLDSMITH
Posted on: October 31, 2015
Chief Goldsmith comments on recent violence
"Within one hour, my police department responded to two separate incidents early this morning. In both cases - two men lost their lives - two people were injured – all because two people chose to resolve an argument with a gun.
Shortly after 2:00 a.m., my officers responded to a call for a possible gunshot victim in the 3900 block of E. Princess Anne Road. We located a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
The man was immediately transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
As my detectives conducted their preliminary investigation, two men were located suffering from gunshot wounds, one of which remains in serious condition. It was determined all three were shot during the same incident.
Almost one hour later, Norfolk dispatchers received a call for a person who may have been shot near the intersection of W. 35th Street and Killam Avenue. My officers discovered a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and arriving medics pronounced the man dead at the scene.
In both instances - these cases started as arguments that ended in gunfire. When did it become ok to solve a fight with a gun?
As a parent, I cannot fathom this inherent disregard for human life. As a Police Chief, I refuse to allow this mentality to become commonplace in our city.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family members who now suffer the loss of their loved ones. To those families, the criminals responsible for these incidents will be found. They will be charged and justice will be served.
To our Norfolk community, the work extends beyond my Detective Division. All 745 police officers will continue to do their job. Now it's time for the 245,000 people living in this city to do theirs. We need your help.
My police officers cannot work alone. I call for Norfolk’s community members to take a stand against violence. We all have a social responsibility to guide our youth and prevent these senseless acts from becoming a permanent fixture in our society.
Tolerating this behavior is a gateway to acceptance. I will never accept this way of life and neither should you.
Tonight is Halloween. We know there will be parties. I'm asking the community for their help. If you plan to host a house party - let us know and we'll support you. Concerned about one in your neighborhood? Call us. You can remain anonymous. One call may prevent a situation from turning worse.
Norfolk is a resilient community. We are a city of neighborhoods. Get to know your neighbor. Get involved. The city has programs, hosts community events - come to one. Call 664-6510 and ask for information. We all deserve to live in safe, healthy and inclusive communities.
Norfolk is not alone dealing with the issue of gun violence, but we have the ingenuity to fight it. We are a city of creative and collaborative people who come together to solve our issues. Acts of violence in one neighborhood should affect us all. Working collaboratively is the only way to find solutions and support each other so we can come back stronger."
-Police Chief Michael Goldsmith
