Our city suffered a night of senseless violence which claimed four lives. A person was killed while in their parked car. Another person shot while on his porch. A man and woman lost their lives inside a home. That case once again displays the tragedy of domestic violence where an individual lashes out through rage rather than turning to alternatives in resolving conflicts.
A parked car, a porch, a private home. These are places we don’t expect police to simply “patrol.” These three cases represent the need for the people of our community to examine what is happening. Once again and far too often, individuals shoot away what they see as a problem or conflict.
Our police will do everything possible to protect the public and investigate crime.
But each of us must ask the question: what am I willing to do to change the situation? As a community, as families, as individuals, we must act responsibly and demand responsibility from those we influence and interact with in our daily lives.
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin
*For those seeking information or assistance concerning domestic violence, please consider these resources:
One Place Family Justice Center
Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Original source can be found here.