Baton Rouge, La. – Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement and community partners addressed the public about recent gun violence. The press conference was held at Agape Missionary Baptist Church on 75th Ave in the Banks community, near the scene of one of the shootings.
“Through my administration's partnership with law enforcement and Safe Hopeful Healthy BR, my office has worked tirelessly to change the trajectory of crime,” said Mayor Broome. “Anything that threatens the progress we have been making and the forward movement of a safe, hopeful, and healthy community, is a direct affront to the law-abiding citizens of this community.”
Mayor Broome’s three-pronged approach to public safety includes law enforcement, community-based public safety, and mental health. The concerted efforts to end cycles of violence have resulted in a 34% decline in gun deaths and non-fatal shootings in the past two years.
“My office was holding a meeting in the Banks community last night at the time of one of these shootings. Attendees from Banks and Scotlandville were working on strategies to improve public safety,” said Mayor Broome. “Many of them responded to this scene, to offer support, console families and work on intervening and trying to end feuds between groups.”
Chief T.J. Morse told the community that Baton Rouge Police are working with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, federal law enforcement partners, District Attorney’s Office and 19th Judicial District Court, to hold accountable the small number individuals responsible for the violence.
“Our agency has begun organizing a special unit of detectives, analysts, and uniformed officers aimed at addressing what we’ve witnessed in the last 24 hours,” said Chief Morse. “We will compound our current patrols and enforcement actions and increase proactive policing going into this weekend.”
Mayor Broome also shared a message with the parents and grandparents of young people at-risk for violence. “It is imperative that we increase the day to day conversations with young people,” said Mayor Broome. “They are being influenced by what they see on social media. Talk to them. Let’s connect them to the many partners and resources that are serving Baton Rouge.”
Mayor Broome shared a resource phone number to connect concerned family members with peace brokers and violence interventionists. Anyone interested in learning more about the programs and resources available through the Mayor’s Safe Hopeful Healthy BR program should call 225-389-8771.
Anyone with information about the recent shootings can call the Capital Region Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867 or visit crimestoppers225.com.
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