Mayor Lyles calls gun violence ‘epidemic’ in a letter addressed to city’s youth

While city officials look for solutions to curb youth violence, Mayor Vi Lyles took to social media with a message for Charlotte’s youth.

Publishing a letter Thursday, Lyles said gun violence had become an “epidemic” and an issue that needs youth involvement to change.

“I urge you to speak out against gun violence, to advocate for safer communities, and to support one another in this fight,” Lyles said in the letter. “But beyond raising awareness and calling for action, the adults in this city must come together to work on underlying issues that contribute to violence in our community.”

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has previously raised the alarm about increased youth violence and crimes, including those involving shootings. Officers arrested 3,016 youths in 2023, which marked a 34% increase from 2022.

More teenagers and children were both victims and suspects of shootings. In 2023, there was an 18% increase from the year before in shootings involving juveniles. Police also named 108 young people as suspects in shootings — a 33% increase.

And while Lyles hopes the city’s youth will heed her call, the letter faced some online criticism.

Some people questioned why Lyles would publish a letter on social media, rather than go into schools and speak to students.

Others said prosecuting criminals and handing out harsher punishments would be more effective.

Lyles’ letter was published on the same day that City Council member Tiawana Brown, who represents District 3, helped conduct a youth-led panel discussion on the topic of youth violence in the city.

Students, their families and community leaders shared thoughts on the issue and how it has impacted their lives. They talked about potential solutions, like stricter gun laws or self-defense training.

On Friday, Lyles said in a statement that although she wasn’t able to attend the panel discussion, she wanted to show her support of the conversations surrounding the issue with her letter. She said she also wanted to commend Brown for spearheading the effort to bring the community together for a dialogue.

In her letter, Lyles said solutions require investment in education, mental health services and economic opportunities for the city’s youth.

“I know the road ahead will not be easy. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt,” she said. “But I believe in the resilience of our youth, and I have faith that together, we can build a brighter future for Charlotte.”