Durham Mayor Elaine O'Neal is reacting to a surge of gun violence over the weekend in the city. At least 10 people were shot during the past week in Durham, with three people who died.

In February, O'Neal said she didn't want to talk with the media about gun violence — adding that it was a fragile situation and didn't want to jeopardize the relationships she’s been working on building.

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On Monday, O'Neal said the best approach is from a more systemic level and using community-led solutions.

Hours after WRAL News spoke with O'Neal about gun violence, Durham police were investigating a shots fired called near House Avenue and Burke Street. Bullet holes riddled the front of an SUV that had crashed with another car. Police were also investigating a nearby crash on House Avenue, but police said they were unsure if the two scenes were related.

"It's heart wrenching," she said. "My heart has been heavy all weekend, and you try to figure out why and what can be done and what shouldn't we be doing?"

O'Neal said being an elected official doesn’t exempt her from feeling pain over gun violence.

"You have all those human emotions," said O'Neal.

In the past week, a woman was killed in a shooting at an apartment complex on Avon Lake Drive and another person was killed outside of a night club on Auto Drive.

"It goes back to the same issues: Poverty, lack of access to job opportunity, lots of access to guns," said O'Neal.

Crime has been top of mind for Durham residents and elected leaders. Recently, over 500 responses were submitted for a police satisfactory survey in the city. Residents got to weigh in on 13 different services:

  • 66 percent of respondents said they want more emphasis on preventing crime
    • 48 percent of respondents said they want more visibility of police in neighborhoods
      • 43 percent of respondents said a quick response to emergencies is top priority

        "I've been here since I was a child — never lived anywhere else. There's crime all around. This is not unique to Durham," said O'Neal.

        "I think people like this area. I think most of our Bull City residents who live here love Durham and we don't see ourselves like folks like to portray that we've this violent city," she said.

        Derrell Washington, who is a newcomer to the city, said he wants to see more engagement from law enforcement and city leaders.

        "I would just like to see them do more footwork on the ground and then, from there, see where it goes," he said.

        O'Neal said violence is a community issue that warrants a community response.

        "What we hope to do differently in Durham is to bring more of a community perspective in terms of interacting directly with some of the folks who are most affected by it," said O'Neal.

        "We need many volunteers. We need people who are going to be willing to go into our schools to help children read, going to spaces for them to be able to socialize — places they can hangout safely," she said.

        City leaders are also considering Shot Spotter technology and the debut of the unarmed safety responder program that launches this summer as strategies​ to curb gun violence.

        "We need all the tools in the toolbox ... it does take an entire community. That's what I want Durham to realize. We're all very much human beings who work really hard," said O'Neal.