CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles is calling on teens to speak out against gun violence.
In a letter to Charlotte’s youth, she addresses the rise in juvenile crime and the need for more resources. But the letter is getting some harsh feedback online.
Some people replied on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Lyles’ letter missed the mark and won’t reach the people who need to read it.
“Your voices, your ideas, and your actions are crucial in the fight against gun violence,” Lyles wrote in the letter. “The adults in this city must come together to work on the underlying issues that contribute to violence in our communities.”
Lyles told WCNC Charlotte she wrote the letter to show her support for conversations about youth gun violence already happening in the community.
Charlotte students hosted a teen town hall on gun violence on Thursday night with the help of Charlote City councilwoman Tiawana Brown.
Mayor Vi Lyles said she couldn’t attend the town hall. She sent the following to WCNC Charlotte:
“I commend Council Member Brown for spearheading this dialogue and bringing students, community leaders, law enforcement and other stakeholders to the table. Only through open and honest discussions can we work to create real, lasting solutions. I remain committed to investing in programs that steer young people away from violence through mentorship, job training, after-school activities and counseling services.”
According to CMPD, shootings involving teen suspects jumped 33% last year.
Uptown resident Joey Dempsey thinks one underlying issue is the economy.
“Everything’s so expensive," Dempsey said. "They look at it like, ‘why should I even work a job for $8 to $9 an hour?'”
Dempsey thinks more accessible sports and after-school activities could help occupy teenagers. “They’re running amuck because there’s nothing for them to do,” Dempsey added.
City staff members are currently drafting an actionable plan to reduce youth crime and plan to present the recommendations to city council in April.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.