Gwendolyn Kimble is mourning the loss of her 31-year-old son, Christopher Lee Hart, who was killed in a shooting on Holloway Street Tuesday morning. His death marks one of at least eight gun violence victims in Durham since Saturday, including three fatalities. Among them was a 17-year-old boy killed in a double shooting on Lednum Street.
Kimble, speaking to CBS 17, voiced her anguish and frustration over the pervasive gun violence.
“Every day, someone’s child is killed. And there are just too many guns. It’s easy to get guns. It shouldn’t be like that,” Kimble said.
A City Confronting a Crisis
The recent string of shootings prompted Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams to host a joint press conference Wednesday with city, county, and school officials. Williams called on the community to rally together to combat the violence, highlighting resources like the Bull City Future Fund, which aims to provide young people with alternatives to crime.
“We don’t want our residents to be afraid,” said Williams. “That’s why we invite them to be a part of this. That’s why in Durham, we accept our challenges, we face our challenges, and we do that with law enforcement.”
Williams emphasized the importance of early intervention, saying, “Every person who commits a crime today was a child. At some point, something in their community leads them down the wrong path. What we’re trying to do is provide options to keep them on the right path.”
The Toll of Gun Violence
Tuesday’s homicide brings the death toll to three in less than four days, including another man found fatally shot over the weekend in East Durham. Police are investigating multiple incidents across the city, with residents expressing deep concern over the ongoing violence.
“I live in Durham, I’ve been here my whole life, but I never thought it would be like this,” Kimble lamented.
The violence has left families grieving and searching for answers, as city leaders work to balance immediate safety concerns with long-term policy solutions.
Policy and Accountability
When asked why Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews did not attend the press conference, Williams explained that the meeting was focused on policy discussions among elected officials. Still, some residents question whether policy changes alone will be enough to stem the tide of gun violence.
Officials acknowledge the need for systemic reform while urging the public to engage with available resources and support law enforcement efforts.
As Durham grapples with the devastating impact of gun violence, community leaders continue to call for unity and action, recognizing that every life lost leaves an indelible mark on the city.
