In Asheville, North Carolina, a shooting in the downtown area claimed two lives and injured seven. According to the Asheville Police Department (APD), the event on July 19 was a retaliatory act. They stopped short of labeling it as gang-related despite the unrest in the Blue Ridge tourist town.
The incident occurred early in the morning near Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue, a location known for its active nightlife and business district. Officers arrived on the scene at around 2:20 a.m. and found several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Attempts to save two individuals were unsuccessful, and they died at the location. Seven others were taken to Mission Hospital for treatment. Authorities reported finding numerous shell casings, indicating a significant crime scene.
In the days following the shooting, Interim Police Chief Jackie Stepp clarified that the violence was connected to an earlier gun-related incident on July 5 at an apartment complex. One person was shot during this previous event, and an arrest had been made in that case.
During a community briefing on July 24, Chief Stepp faced questions from reporters about whether the recent violence was gang-related. She clarified that the fighting involved two groups, comprised of individuals familiar with one another, who had been in an ongoing cycle of retaliatory violence.
The police identified several persons of interest in the case but are still looking to locate and interview them. Chief Stepp refrained from sharing whether those injured in the shooting were specific targets or the exact linkage between the two July shootings, citing the investigation still being active.
A local pastor, active in gang-prevention efforts, questioned city leaders about not considering his program to prevent gang violence. Mayor Esther Manheimer acknowledged his efforts and mentioned her interest in learning more about his approach. However, she pointed to existing safety and prevention plans in Buncombe County as the city’s current focus.
Manheimer also discussed the impact of North Carolina’s relaxed gun laws on the city’s ability to manage such violence. She emphasized the increasing importance of businesses in preventing firearms from entering their premises.
Regarding reports of a Glock switch, Chief Stepp confirmed its recovery but did not reveal whether it was associated directly with the shooting scene, a vehicle, or another suspect.
The APD urges anyone with information related to the shooting to contact them via phone or use the TIP2APD app for anonymous submissions.
The city continues to face challenges with a 31% rise in violent crime from 2016 to 2020, complicating community safety efforts.