Lexington Community Unites to Combat Rising Gun Violence Amid Tragic Homicides

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The city has seen a troubling increase in gun violence, prompting community action as safety concerns rise. From January 1, 2024, to October 6, 2024, Lexington Police reported 55 shootings, excluding homicides. The most recent incident resulted in the death of 24-year-old Dion Jermaine Higgins, raising the total number of homicides in the area to 16.

Community activists, including local council member Tayna Fogle, are responding proactively. Fogle, a representative for District 1 and a resident of the East End, voiced her concerns, stating, “This cannot just be a moment, it has to be a movement…our children are dying.” Her statement reflects the urgent need for a collective response to the escalating violence.

To address these concerns, members of the community gathered to memorialize Higgins and strengthen neighborhood ties. Fogle emphasized the importance of unity, saying, “We don’t want death to be the only thing that brings our community together.”

In light of the recent events, the nonprofit group ONE Lexington organized a Neighborhood Engagement Walk. This initiative aimed to connect with local residents through door-to-door outreach, providing essential resources and fostering dialogue about neighborhood needs. Crisis Response Coordinator Kenneth Payne highlighted the critical nature of these conversations, stating, “These are people’s lives…mothers are getting calls that their child got shot.”

The community engagement efforts reflect a shared responsibility among residents to combat the persistent issue of gun violence. Payne noted that showing love and support is vital as the area copes with its challenges. “It’s a community that’s suffering and needs people to come in and show some love,” he remarked.

As residents come together to confront gun violence, their collaborative approach seeks to cultivate a safer, more supportive environment. Lexington’s fight against this troubling trend may very well hinge on the strength of its community, making these efforts not just necessary but essential.