LEXINGTON, Ky. — Community Violence Intervention, a plan the Mayor of Lexington announced Friday morning to help combat the homicide rate in Fayette County.

What You Need To Know

  • Lexington has seen the highest number of homicides in one year

  • Government initiative ONE Lexington announced their new strategic plan to help prevent gun violence

  • ONE Lexington along with city officials said this plan will also need community effort 

  • This new plan will seek the root causes of gun violence within Fayette County

Lexington has 38 reported homicides. That’s the highest the city has ever seen in one year. It’s one of the many reasons Mayor Linda Gorton and other city officials gathered Friday to announce their new strategic plan to fight gun violence. 

“Developing young leaders, strengthening street outreach teams, capacity and improving communications are all part of this plan,” Gorton said.

Gorton explained that homicide rates for young adults between the ages of 13-29 have dropped nearly 50% since this time last year and said it’s all about Community Violence Intervention. 

“This plan clearly outlines the need for increased and improved collaboration and partnerships throughout our community,” Gorton said.

At the event, Devine Carama with government initiative ONE Lexington, also spoke to the crowd. He said that after a year of research, community forums and meetings with nonprofits and other organizations, one Lexington has come up with a four year plan.

“Your instinct is to focus on how do we stop the bleeding? How do we focus on what is in front of us? But the reality is, we’ll be back here in three years, five years, 10 years if we don’t switch that focus to some of the root causes that lead to the gun violence that we’re seeing,” Carama said.

The plan includes engaging with young adults by using resources within the community to address any issues. Carama says it’s a plan that will only work if the community steps up and does their part in making Lexington safe. 

“This is a document. That’s all it is. It’s a piece of paper with words on it. It does not mean anything until we the community put it into action. And I’m excited about moving forward and putting this into action,” Carama said.

Carama along with Gorton says this plan will be constantly changing and developing based on the needs of the community. It’s their hope to see people in Fayette County step up and become a part of this change. 

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