Durham councilman pushes for solutions for gun violence, 'Defund' sign

The number of shootings in Durham this year is outpacing last year, and in 2020, there were more shootings than ever before.

As of April 24, there were more than 200 shootings this year – 12 of them fatal.

Councilman Mark-Anthony Middleton brought up gun violence again on Monday night, saying it has to come to an end.

"Our children are dying and jumping like soldiers. Being trained like soldiers to duck and cover in bathtubs," said Middleton.

A recurring string of violence in Durham has residents and city leaders concerned.

Middleton said two issues that need to be acted on quickly are the "Defund" sign painted outside the Durham Police Department and violent crime, specifically shootings.

'Defund' still greets officers, visitors to Durham Police HQ

He pushed for fellow council members to stay vigilant.

"I'm not alone in not desiring and not wanting Durham to become two distinct cities," said Middleton. "The one that welcomes Apple and Google, and the one that's burying teenagers killed in drive-by [shootings.]"

Durham’s outgoing Police Chief C.J. Davis had previously pushed for funding to hire additional officers, but she was denied by City Council. She is heading to Memphis, Tenn., to become its new chief June 11.

Solutions to gun violence remain elusive in Durham

Middleton said a decision needs to be made whether to declare the "Defund" sign as street art or have it removed.

"I think we have crossed a threshold from an employee morale point of view, from a fairness to our staff point of view and from an institutional integrity point of view that we need to take up this issue," said Middleton.

The City Council will discuss both issues at a later time.        

Durham mayor speaks in nationwide discussion on gun safety, as Durham gun violence shows dramatic increase