The mayor of Fayetteville wants a curfew for unattended minors in the city and may declare a state of emergency following three shootings in six hours around downtown Fayetteville over the weekend.
Mayor Mitch Colvin is proposing a 9 p.m. curfew for unattended minors. The announcement came hours before the Fayetteville Council meeting Monday.
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The shootings over the weekend happened just minutes apart from each other, near the Dogwood Festival a 43-year-old tradition interrupted by gunfire.
Although no one was injured at the Dogwood Festival, the mayor announced Monday the recent spike in gun violence demanded “decisive action.”
In a city news release, Colvin mentioned a 12-year-old was injured in a March carnival shooting.
"We have had enough," Colvin wrote.
Colvin is also proposing stricter penalties for parents who do not comply with his proposed 9 p.m. curfew.
The news release shows Colvin is also proposing:
- Restrictions at large gatherings
- A ban on masks and backpacks at city-owned property or city-sponsored events (medical exemptions allowed)
- Enhanced technology and surveillance
- An expanded camera network with license-plate readers, facial recognition and other artificial intelligence-driven tools
- Augmented security presence
- Contracted partnerships with private security agencies
- Additional gates and perimeter fencing at Festival Park and similar venues
- Stronger incentives for public cooperation
- Increase Crime Stoppers rewards to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of violent offenders
"We are committed to keeping our community safe—and to those who attempt to spread havoc and fear, we are coming for you," Colvin wrote.
City leaders are set to meet at a special city council meeting on May 5. The special meeting is scheduled to follow the city council work session on the same day.