Lexington, Kentucky – The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council took a significant step on Tuesday by unanimously voting to declare gun violence a public health emergency. This decision follows recommendations from a Gun Violence Task Force comprised of council members, community representatives, and law enforcement officials.
The Social Services and Public Safety Committee is advocating for the task force’s proposals to be presented to the full council for further consideration. One key proposal suggests that designating gun violence as a public health crisis could help secure additional grant funding and enhance public awareness initiatives surrounding the issue.
Community advocate Tonya Lindsey, a member of the task force and representative of the nonprofit Sisters and Supporters Working Against Gun Violence, underscored the urgency of this initiative. “We are the face of gun violence. We know we have a problem with gun violence in Lexington, Kentucky,” Lindsey stated, urging the council to support the recommendations.
While the declaration comes in response to growing concerns about gun violence, there is a noteworthy trend in Lexington’s recent crime statistics. Data from the Lexington Police Department reveals a steady decline in gun-related homicides. From January to September 2024, the city recorded 13 gun-related homicides, which is a decrease from 19 in the same timeframe in 2023 and 28 in 2022.
Additionally, the city has seen a nearly 60% decrease in non-fatal shootings over the past three years. The total number of non-fatal shootings reported in 2023 stood at 84, down from 119 in 2022 and 135 in 2021.
These statistics indicate a positive trend amid ongoing concerns, emphasizing the importance of taking preventive measures against gun violence in the community. As Lexington grapples with this issue, the council’s pending decision on the task force’s recommendations may pave the way for enhanced public health strategies to combat gun violence.
