PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — Palatka residents made their voices heard Thursday night, demanding action from city leaders after a deadly double shooting on Christmas night at a town hall meeting packed with concerned locals.
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Residents expressed their frustration and fear over the rising gun violence in the city.
During the meeting, many residents voiced their desire for changes they believe could help address the violence. Some of the solutions included more community events, increased police patrols, and the development of new family-oriented facilities.
Residents argued these changes could help steer young people away from trouble and reduce their involvement with guns.
The shooting that sparked this outcry occurred late on Christmas night. According to the Palatka Police Department, shots were fired into a large crowd in the parking lot of the Palatka Daily News building.
The incident resulted in the deaths of two people: one was a man from Crescent City, and the other was a 17-year-old from Palatka. This tragedy has only added to the sense of fear and frustration already felt by many residents in the community.
Local resident Daniel McGee expressed his confusion and sorrow about the shooting
“I just don’t know. I’m just lost. A kid lost his life… and then all the… nobody knows anything,” said McGee.
Daniel and his wife, Queen McGee, have personal reasons for their strong stance on gun violence. Their teenage granddaughter was shot in the face in a separate act of violence.
Queen McGee shared the ongoing pain her family faces due to the violence
“She has to live with the pain every day because of the violence, McGee said.
In response to the growing concern, city leaders presented several solutions they hope will curb the rising gun violence in Palatka.
These proposals include creating mentorship programs, remodeling the community center, establishing a neighborhood improvement team, and holding additional town hall meetings like the one held Thursday night.
City Commissioner Justin Campbell emphasized the need to keep the conversation about violence going.
“Because again, we talk about these things when they’re urgent, but once the urgency fades, we forget. We forget until something else happens. I want to keep these conversations at the forefront of our city,” Campbell said.
Palatka’s Chief of Police, Jason Shaw, also outlined ongoing efforts to deter gun violence in the community.
“Whether it’s through schools or activities in the streets, we’re already doing this or moving forward with it,” Shaw explained.
The meeting ended with a commitment from city leaders that this would not be the last discussion on the matter.
They announced plans to continue these town hall meetings as part of an ongoing series, starting next month.
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