Mayor Williams, Police Commissioner Carter and members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at a press conference on Thursday
In response to recent shootings, Harrisburg officials announced plans to combat gun violence, including increased security and a gun buy-back opportunity.
“It does not matter how much we invest in public safety,” Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams said at a press conference on Thursday. “At some point, we as the citizens of Harrisburg need to be accountable for ourselves, and especially for our families, and do the right thing.”
Harrisburg has experienced several early-morning weekend shootings recently, as the downtown bars closed down for the night.
Last weekend, 22-year-old Kendrell Hall was killed following a shootout with police on the 200-block of South Street, according to law enforcement. The prior weekend, a 33-year-old man suffered a non-fatal gunshot wound near N. 2nd and Locust streets.
At the press conference, police Commissioner Thomas Carter said that there will be increased police presence downtown this weekend and invited concerned parents of youth to come stand with the police.
“All parents: if you are concerned, […] join us downtown and stand side by side with us, because you know who these kids are, and direct them home,” Carter said.
The state also may deploy mounted Capitol police to help with crowd control during the late-night hours downtown, Carter said.
Carter also said that the city is working to revise curfew laws, revisiting previous laws that held parents of youth more accountable.
Williams and Carter also announced an upcoming gun buy-back opportunity, in partnership with Kappa Omega chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, on Saturday, June 22, from noon to 6 p.m. at the fraternity house at 2020 State St.
Anyone who surrenders their firearm will be given a $100 gift card, no questions asked and no identification necessary.
“We want to get as many guns off the street as we possibly can,” Carter said.
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