MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - A community center shooting injuring two teens happened just moments before Memphis Mayor A C Wharton and Police Director Toney Armstrong unveiled their new plan to crack down on gun violence in the Bluff City.
"You don't need a lot of research to confirm the number one concern in our community is crime and particularly among our young folks, and more particularly, among our young folks with guns," the mayor stated.
The mayor and police director held a news conference Friday afternoon at City Hall. They unveiled a five point plan, called 'Memphis Gun Down,' to curb gun violence on the streets of Memphis.
It includes suppression: placing police efforts on the young men who are committing crimes; community mobilization: getting neighbors to band together and form a culture where gun violence is not tolerated; youth opportunities: promoting jobs and placing emphasis on education for our young people; intervening at the first sign of potential violence; and organizational change and development: transforming policies in our city to reduce gun violence.
Mayor Wharton says everyone has the power to reject violence and say "enough."
