Winston-Salem police chief addresses rise in gun violence

Winston-Salem officials spoke about rising gun violence at this month's public safety meeting. 

Police Chief Catrina Thompson opened the meeting with a moment of silence for the victims of mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York. She then addressed the city.

“It is no secret that violence is all around us," Thompson said. "An increase in gun violence is happening across the nation. And right here in Winston Salem, we are at a critical point — we must make a decision: What are we going to do as a community to keep each other safe?” 

She urged the public to report crimes to the police department.

“We understand that there are issues with trust, and we're doing all that we can every day to build that trust and partnership within our community. But it goes both ways. We're asking that you help us keep our community safe.” 

Thompson said that this Sunday alone, officers seized nine guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition that were all illegally possessed or involved in criminal activity.