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Winston-Salem police chief addresses rise in gun violence

Winston-Salem Police Chief Catrina Thompson spoke at the Public Safety News Conference on June 8, 2022. Screenshot courtesy City of Winston-Salem YouTube.

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.

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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