Claire Lavezzorio is a reporter at KMGH Denver7 in Denver, Colorado.
Three people died from gun violence in North Denver in the span of a week, prompting neighbors and city leaders to gather for a community safety meeting Thursday night.'It has been a little unnerving,' said Suzanne Whitney, who lives in Denver 's Cole neighborhood.
Neighbors met at the St. Charles Recreation Center on Lafayette Street to discuss the recent violence and how to pave a path forward for safer streets.The meeting comes after two people were shot on Easter Sunday at Russell Square Park in the city's Cole neighborhood. And just days later in an unrelated incident, a man walking his dog down a sidewalk in Five Points was shot and killed.Tina Ware, a family member of the two victims shot at Russell Square Park, spoke in front of Thursday night's crowd at the recreation center. 'We're hurting, we're confused, we're angry,' Ware said. 'I appreciate each of you guys coming because if I lived here, I would be here too because it's a concern that needs to be addressed.'Ahead of Thursday's community meeting, Denver7 also sat down with the mother of Pharrow Ware, an 18-year-old who was shot in the park and later died in the hospital. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said the department is focusing on prevention, partnering with anti-violence organizations, and increasing patrols.'I think it is comforting to communities to know that there are more police officers that are driving through, that are that are spending time in that community,' Thomas said.Also within the past week, Thomas said a camera was installed at Russell Square Park as a precaution.Meanwhile, Denver Councilman Darrell Watson, who represents District 9 where the shootings occurred, pledged his support to law enforcement.'What I'm doing is making sure I'm holding a line, working with Chief Thomas, and making sure that Denver Police officers' funding isn't cut,' Watson said.While police say overall violent crime is down in the city, North Denver neighbors are striving for safer streets after this recent string of violence.'I hope we walk away with an opportunity to feel safer in the neighborhood and just have better understanding about what is being done to support us,' Whitney said.
Cole Neighborhood Darrell Watson Denver Denver Colorado Shootings Five Points Ron Thomas Community Meeting Gun Violence Solutions To Gun Violence
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Introducing: The Inaugural 'Marie Claire' Reader’s Choice AwardsHannah Baxter is the Beauty Director at Marie Claire. She has previously held roles at The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and Bust Magazine, covering beauty, wellness, fashion, and lifestyle. She authors the Marie Claire newsletter Face Forward.
Read more »
State faces new flare-up of safety concerns over transitional living facility in north Denver suburb“We recognize and support the critical need for expanded mental health services,” Northglenn Mayor Meredith Leighty said. “But good intentions on their own are not enough.”
Read more »
Colorado weather: Hard freeze expected overnight Friday as snow falls in DenverAs of Thursday morning, 1/2 inch to 3 inches of snow were expected to fall across the Denver area on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Read more »
Nikola Jokic Reveals Nuggets' Key to Success for Timberwolves SeriesThe Denver Nuggets are looking to come out strong against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Read more »
Bell-to-Bell Cellphone Ban Recommended by Denver Public Schools CommitteeDenver Public Schools could adopt a bell-to-bell cellphone ban if it follows the recommendation of a committee.
Read more »
Ranking 12 Most Important Players in Nuggets-Timberwolves Playoff SeriesThe Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves have some game-changers across the board.
Read more »