Lexington, Kentucky, January 13, 2026
Lexington, Kentucky has reported a significant decrease in youth gun violence, with a 46% reduction in homicides and a 35% decrease in shooting victims aged 13 to 29. These results stem from the efforts of ONE Lexington, which focuses on violence prevention through community engagement and various initiatives. While progress has been made, officials stress the importance of sustained efforts to further reduce gun violence and ensure community safety.
Lexington, Kentucky, Reports Significant Reduction in Youth Gun Violence
Lexington, Kentucky has achieved a notable decrease in gun violence among youth and young adults, according to recent reports from the city’s violence prevention initiative, ONE Lexington. The data indicates a 46% reduction in homicides compared to the previous year, marking the lowest levels since 2018. Additionally, there was a 35% decrease in shooting victims within the 13 to 29 age group, the primary focus of ONE Lexington’s efforts. Despite these encouraging trends, officials emphasize the ongoing need for community engagement to further reduce gun violence.
Key Achievements in 2025
- Substantial Decrease in Homicides: A 46% reduction in gun-related homicides among youth and young adults compared to the prior year.
- Decline in Shooting Victims: A 35% decrease in shooting victims aged 13 to 29, the target demographic of ONE Lexington’s programs.
- Community Engagement Initiatives: Successful implementation of programs like the “It Takes a Village Summer Youth Program,” which engaged 40 teenagers, many directly impacted by gun violence, focusing on conflict resolution, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care.
Background on ONE Lexington’s Efforts
Established in 2017, ONE Lexington is a collaborative initiative involving state and local governments, the local school system, and community organizations. Its mission is to coordinate efforts to reduce gun violence among youth and young adults aged 13 to 29 in Lexington. The program employs a public health approach, focusing on prevention, intervention, enforcement, and re-entry strategies to address the root causes of violence and promote community safety.
Looking Ahead
While the progress made in 2025 is promising, Lexington officials acknowledge that challenges remain. The community continues to face incidents of gun violence, underscoring the need for sustained and expanded efforts. ONE Lexington plans to build on its successes by enhancing existing programs, fostering new partnerships, and engaging more community members in violence prevention initiatives to ensure a safer environment for all residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is ONE Lexington?
ONE Lexington is a collaborative initiative involving state and local governments, the local school system, and community organizations, established in 2017 to coordinate efforts to reduce gun violence among youth and young adults aged 13 to 29 in Lexington, Kentucky.
What strategies does ONE Lexington employ to reduce gun violence?
ONE Lexington employs a public health approach focusing on prevention, intervention, enforcement, and re-entry strategies to address the root causes of violence and promote community safety.
What were the key achievements in 2025?
In 2025, Lexington reported a 46% reduction in gun-related homicides among youth and young adults compared to the prior year, and a 35% decrease in shooting victims aged 13 to 29. Additionally, programs like the “It Takes a Village Summer Youth Program” engaged 40 teenagers, many directly impacted by gun violence, focusing on conflict resolution, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care.
What is the “It Takes a Village Summer Youth Program”?
The “It Takes a Village Summer Youth Program” is an initiative by ONE Lexington that engaged 40 teenagers, many directly impacted by gun violence, focusing on conflict resolution, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care to support youth in building resilience and positive coping strategies.
What are the future plans for ONE Lexington?
ONE Lexington plans to build on its successes by enhancing existing programs, fostering new partnerships, and engaging more community members in violence prevention initiatives to ensure a safer environment for all residents.
Key Features of ONE Lexington’s Efforts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 2017 |
| Target Demographic | Youth and young adults aged 13 to 29 in Lexington, Kentucky |
| Key Strategies | Prevention, intervention, enforcement, and re-entry |
| 2025 Achievements | 46% reduction in gun-related homicides; 35% decrease in shooting victims aged 13 to 29 |
| Community Programs | “It Takes a Village Summer Youth Program” engaging 40 teenagers |
| Future Plans | Enhance existing programs, foster new partnerships, engage more community members in violence prevention initiatives |
Now Happening on X
- @LEX18News (January 8, 2026, 8:30 PM) Preliminary data shows violent crime in Lexington has dropped significantly for the fourth year in a row, with community violence down 60% since 2021, according to recent reports. View on X
- @SpectrumNews1KY (January 8, 2026, 11:30 AM) Violent crime trends downward in Lexington, but challenges persist; Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers shares outlook for continued efforts in 2026. View on X
- @heraldleader (January 7, 2026, 11:40 PM) London’s city council and mayor approve emergency budget measure to tackle financial issues affecting public services. View on X
- @FOX56News (January 6, 2026, 9:00 AM) One person injured in a morning crash in Lexington, with authorities investigating the incident. View on X
- @BristowatHome (January 9, 2026, 11:01 AM) Detailed statistics from Lexington Police Department highlight ongoing reductions in local crime rates. View on X
- @FOX56News (January 12, 2026, 10:00 AM) Lexington police emphasize proactive response strategies that begin well before emergency calls are made to enhance public safety. View on X
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