City meeting aims to find solutions to gun violence in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – City leaders invited the public to a discussion Tuesday evening focused on finding solutions to gun violence in Jacksonville

Jacksonville City Councilman Garrett Dennis and Dwight Brisbane hosted the meeting titled "Community Talks: Stop the Murders," which they hope will save lives. More than 100 people joined the conversation at Edward Waters College.

"There's some good collaboration and people who are doing great things throughout the community, Brisbane said. "I think if all of us come together and continue to do those things, I think we can stop some of the crime."

Several people spoke about the need to create vocational training and economic opportunities for people who haven't completed school or have been incarcerated.

Other people said there are too many meeting and too little action following the most recent violence.

June marks the deadliest month so far this year in Jacksonville. The number of homicides spiked to 17 -- the most the city has seen since July 2016.

READ MORE: Homicides spike in bloody June in Jacksonville

The problem is widespread, spanning from the city's Northside to the Southside.

Most of the cases remain unsolved.


About the Authors

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.

Kent Justice co-anchors News4Jax's 5 p.m., 10 and 11 p.m. newscasts weeknights and reports on government and politics. He also hosts "This Week in Jacksonville," Channel 4's hot topics and politics public affairs show each Sunday morning at 9 a.m.

Recommended Videos