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Chief Wahl's Blog

Gun Violence in Madison

July 7, 2020 3:17 PM

Over the last week, an extraordinary level of gun violence has taken place in Madison.  While we are still compiling data and reviewing reports, a preliminary review  for the last week shows:

  • 2 fatal shootings
  • 15 shots fired incidents
  • 8 residences struck by gunfire
  • 7 vehicles struck by gunfire
  • 148 shell casings recovered

Seven of the eight residences struck by gunfire were occupied – by both adults and children – at the time of the shooting.  Evidence indicates both handguns and rifles were used in these incidents.  Some involved subjects in moving vehicles shooting at each other on public streets.  We are very fortunate more people – unintended targets, who were just living their lives – were not injured or killed.

For perspective, in 2019 MPD responded to 144 shots fired incidents, all year.  Every month but one in 2019 saw 15 or fewer shots fired incidents, and MPD recovered 473 shell casings (in all of 2019).   So, this last week – and the holiday weekend in particular – reflects a significant increase in gun violence in our community. Many cities across the U.S. are seeing similar spikes.

Gun violence is unacceptable and should not be tolerated in our community.  I urge all stakeholders – community leaders, clergy, elected officials, nonprofit organizations – to speak out...denounce this rise in gun violence and work in partnership with MPD to find meaningful and collaborative strategies that will lead to a more peaceful city.

MPD's Violent Crime Unit is coordinating investigations into these incidents, and arrests were made last week in both fatal shootings. Anyone with information about any of these shootings should contact Crimestoppers at 266-6014 or online at http://www.P3TIPS.com.

Posted by: Chief Wahl

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