Lexington, KY, October 3, 2025
News Summary
In response to recent shootings in Lexington’s east end neighborhood, ONE Lexington is working to support affected residents through food distribution and community dialogue. This initiative emphasizes the importance of community care and unity among residents. A vigil highlighted the urgent need for action against gun violence, with local leaders calling for greater community involvement and legislative measures such as a red flag law. An upcoming event aims to provide support for families grieving losses due to gun violence, fostering a sense of shared experience and remembrance.
Lexington, KY – In response to three recent shootings in the east end neighborhood, community organization ONE Lexington has mobilized to support residents impacted by gun violence. Volunteers have been distributing food bags in collaboration with Black Soil KY to those living on and around East Seventh Street, actively reaching out to community members to understand their needs amidst growing concerns over safety.
The approach serves as both immediate assistance and a platform for dialogue about ongoing challenges within the community. Kenneth Payne, a representative of ONE Lexington, highlighted the importance of demonstrating community care, suggesting that positive actions can lead to alleviating broader community issues.
Residents like Andre Wilson are stepping up to foster neighborly support, driven by personal experiences; Wilson’s son was fatally shot six months ago. He is now focused on creating a stronger sense of community amidst loss. Meanwhile, Stephen Overstreet, president of the Georgetown Street Area Neighborhood Association, emphasized the interconnectedness of residents across neighborhood boundaries, reinforcing a unified response to local violence.
ONE Lexington leaders are committed to ensuring that the voices of young people are integral in developing solutions for the community. This focus is particularly critical, given that children are often the most affected demographic in instances of gun violence.
To further engage families, a “Walk a Mile in Our Shoes” event is scheduled for Thursday at the Lyric Theatre. This gathering is designed for families who have lost loved ones to gun violence, offering them a supportive space to grieve and share memories. Attendees are encouraged to bring memorabilia to remember their loved ones and to engage in communal sharing of experiences.
During a vigil held in wake of the recent shootings, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton stressed the urgent need for action against both domestic and gun violence. In support of this call for action, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers urged the community to become involved in reporting incidents and addressing the root causes of violence. Deana Mullins, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action, pointed out the concerning increase in domestic violence cases involving firearms.
Additionally, Sheriff Kathy Witt has voiced her advocacy for a red flag law, which allows for the temporary seizure of weapons from individuals deemed to be in crisis situations. Efforts have also been made at the legislative level, with former state Senator Whitney Westerfield previously attempting to introduce relevant gun legislation, although his efforts did not succeed.
Chief Weathers reasserted the ongoing need for community empowerment and consistent advocacy for safety and change, highlighting that the issues surrounding gun violence require a coordinated community effort.
Community Support Initiatives Key Features
- ONE Lexington provides food assistance and conducts outreach.
- Emphasis on community care as a solution to violence issues.
- Unity among residents highlighted to overcome neighborhood divisions.
- Engagement of young people in community decision-making.
- Upcoming event for grieving families scheduled for Thursday.
- Calls for legislation and community involvement from local leaders.
Background Context on Gun Violence in Lexington
The ongoing issue of gun violence has been a pressing concern in Lexington, necessitating concerted community action and dialogue. Local leaders continue to advocate for both supportive measures for affected families and broader legislative initiatives aimed at reducing violence through preventive strategies.
FAQ
What is ONE Lexington doing in response to recent shootings?
ONE Lexington has organized initiatives to support residents, including distributing food bags and facilitating community discussions on needs and solutions to violence.
What event is planned for families affected by gun violence?
A “Walk a Mile in Our Shoes” event is scheduled at the Lyric Theatre to provide a space for families to grieve and share memories.
Who emphasized the need for community involvement?
Lexington’s Mayor Linda Gorton and Police Chief Lawrence Weathers have both called for increased community involvement in addressing gun and domestic violence.
What legislation is being discussed to combat gun violence?
Local advocates are calling for a red flag law to allow for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals in crisis situations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Mourns the Loss of Ja’Zarion Robinson
Lexington Teen Ja’Zarion Robinson Shot and Killed
Community Grieves After Fatal Shooting of Young Lexington Resident
Kentucky’s Safe At Home Program Expansion to Aid Domestic Violence Survivors
Lexington Community Responds to Gun Violence Tragedy
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of 19-Year-Old in Lexington
Rising Gun Violence Challenges Lexington Community
University of Washington Honors Charlie Kirk with Celebration of Life
Shooting Incident Investigated by Lexington Police
Scholastic Ball Report Concludes After Two Decades
Additional Resources
- WKYT: ONE Lexington Responds to East End Violence
- LEX18: Walk a Mile in Our Shoes Annual Event in Lexington
- Spectrum News 1: Lexington Brings Violence Intervention to Residents
- Kentucky.com: Linda Blackford’s Opinion on Gun Violence
- LEX18: Lexington Sees Reduction in Gun Violence in 2024
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Google Search: Gun Violence Preventive Strategies
- Google Scholar: Community Action on Gun Violence
- Google News: Gun Violence Lexington
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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