Gun Violence Claims Life of Asheville Man: Community Calls for Action
- The Asheville community is reeling after the seventh homicide this year, prompting calls for increased action from local authorities.
- The incident occurred at Hillcrest Apartments in the early morning hours of July 26, when police responded to reports of a gunshot wound.
- Residents are demanding solutions to prevent further violence and enhance public safety in their neighborhoods.
Asheville police responded to a reported gunshot wound at Hillcrest Apartments early on July 26, where they discovered 31-year-old Denzel McKnight suffering from a gunshot injury. The incident has raised alarm among community leaders, particularly Dee Williams, a longtime activist, who noted a troubling pattern of violence against young black men in the area this summer. Investigators recovered seven shell casings at the scene, believed to be from a 9-mm handgun, although ballistics tests are pending to confirm the weapon used in the shooting. Pastor John Grant, who leads a local church, expressed his sorrow over McKnight's death, highlighting the ongoing grief within the community. He mentioned that just weeks prior, they had gathered for another funeral, underscoring the pervasive issue of gun violence affecting families in Asheville. While Grant did not personally know McKnight, he empathized with the pain his family is enduring. Williams emphasized the need for tangible action in response to the violence, stating that discussions alone are insufficient. "We are accountable for this," she asserted, calling for a collective effort among African-American families and leaders to address the crisis. The sentiment was echoed by a local resident who remarked on the alarming statistics surrounding gun violence as a leading cause of death for black men. The community is now left grappling with the aftermath of McKnight's tragic death, as calls for change and accountability grow louder amidst the ongoing violence.