Statement from Mayor David Merchant

Our city has been deeply affected by recent acts of gun violence that have claimed too many lives. It is disheartening to find ourselves once again facing similar issues, just as we did in June with a group of citizens and community leaders. The story remains the same: young people in our community are resorting to gun violence to resolve disagreements and conflicts.

These tragedies are both unacceptable and preventable. We remain committed to ensuring that those responsible for these senseless acts are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I want to extend my gratitude to our dedicated public safety officials, who risk their own lives to protect our community during these investigations. However, they cannot succeed without your help. If you have any information about those involved in these crimes, please come forward.

My family and I ask that you join us in prayer for the families who have been affected by these shootings. We must reflect on how we can support our youth and our police department to bring an end to this senseless violence. Together, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer, stronger Sumter.