Dozens of Wilmington, Del., residents confronted police and city leaders Thursday night over gun violence in their communities, with some saying they left a heated public meeting with more questions than answers.
The meeting at the William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center came during a violent month in the city. Wilmington police said there have been eight shootings so far in September, including three fatal shootings, with at least 15 people injured.
Residents described being afraid in their own neighborhoods.
“I park three blocks away from my house and I have to be home before dark because I’m afraid with the gun violence going on,” Wilmington resident Princess Roane said.
The gathering was the first community meeting with city officials since 19-year-old Kadir Skinner was fatally shot by a Wilmington police officer in June. Skinner’s father attended Thursday’s meeting and was visibly emotional at times.
Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos said the department is analyzing crime trends to determine where and when to deploy officers. Police are also focusing on community outreach and expanding job opportunities for young people.
“We look at trends,” Campos said. “Where are things happening? Where are the shots fired coming from? Who are the groups that are in conflict? Where can we deploy our officers to areas where we know we’re having issues?”
Wilmington Mayor John Carney said illegal guns, particularly those in the hands of teenagers, are a major concern.
“I sense the frustration,” Carney said. “I feel the frustration every time we get a report of a shooting in the city.”
Some residents said they wanted to hear more specific plans for addressing the violence.
“I came here thinking they were going to have a plan, but it looks like they don’t,” Roane said.
Others pressed city officials about accountability when police respond to violent incidents.
“What point of the five-point plan is making sure that police aren’t adding to the death toll when they’re responding to these incidents?” Wilmington resident James Taylor asked. “And there was no answer, and it’s highly disappointing.”
The Wilmington Police Department said it plans to hold another community meeting in October to continue working with residents and provide updates on efforts to curb violence.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.