CMPD, FBI, and other agencies announce efforts to curb summer gun violence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As the temperatures rise, usually so does gun violence. Law enforcement around Charlotte is hoping to stop that trend. On Friday,  National Gun Violence Awareness Day, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson was joined by the FBI, the Mecklenburg County DA’s office, the US Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, and others, for a news conference about gun violence prevention.

CMPD says that ongoing gun violence prevention includes investments in programs that address the root causes of violence, reduce juvenile access to firearms and create opportunities for at-risk youth and families.

Charlotte resident Clydia Davis was also at the news conference to share her story. Her son, Donqwavias, was murdered at an apartment complex near UNC Charlotte in 2019. She held a cardboard cutout of him while speaking about the impact of his death. She says, “This hurt(s) every day. Criminals are bold. Therefore, lawmakers and judges ha(ve) to get bolder. Hold them accountable. Start making examples.”

Davis is calling for harsher penalties for murderers. She wants a minimum of life in prison for those convicted.

Chief Patterson urges people in the community to stay vigilant. She says, “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.”

If you see suspicious activity, call 911 immediately so officers can respond and address concerns in real time.