Detroit Today: How does Detroit fix its gun violence problem?

Detroit City Council has proposed gun-free zones in parts of the city.

Gun violence is a perpetual problem in Detroit, but a recent increase of incidents among teens have left political leaders reaching for different solutions.

Detroit City Council recently passed resolutions to usher in gun-free zones in the city, which is pending approval from the state.

Additionally, the state government began Operation Safe Neighborhoods — a program that has already helped recover nearly 400 illegal guns in Michigan.

WDET reporter Eli Newman and Bishop Darryl Harris joined Detroit Today to discuss Detroit’s gun violence crisis and what the solutions are.


Listen: Solutions to ongoing gun violence in Detroit


Guests

Eli Newman is a reporter and producer for 101.9 WDET, covering breaking news, politics, and community affairs. He says that there has been an increase of surveillance to prevent gun violence from continuing its current spike. 

“What we have seen on a local level is an increased enforcement and surveillance efforts trying to tap down on crime,” says Newman.

Bishop Darryl Harris is the founding pastor of Total Life of Christian Ministries. He says the pandemic created a disruption in normalcy that is still impacting children today.

“I am running into more and more teenagers who are being involved in this type of victimization as well as being involved in this time of crime,” says Harris. 

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.