Fareed Johnson: We must understand why gun violence is increasing
Letter to the editor
Thursday night, on the way to my night shift at around 9:30, I passed two GPD units running lights and sirens in the area of Northwest 13th Street and 23rd Avenue. As I got closer to Northwest 43rd Street and Highway 441, I passed two more GPD units. I happened to be in conversation with an off-duty deputy, and we agreed there must be another shooting in Gainesville. Just days earlier, a woman was robbed and shot over her dog and fanny pack. The facts of Thursday night’s shooting yielded another woman shot in a week. Gun violence is unacceptable, no matter who the victim and perpetrator may be. However, we are dangerously progressing from young adult male victims to middle-aged working-class males and now women. Next will be children if we don’t intentionally tackle this illness. So, how do we address this complex matter? Truthfully, I’m not sure if I have any piece of the answer; however, I would like to make a point or two.
Not all, but the majority, of our shootings have been committed by young adult black males. This is a fact that we must own and acknowledge. Locally, this is the least represented age group, race, and gender in our political landscape. The proof was in the pudding at the recent joint City-County Commission meeting. “Disconnected” is the best way to describe what we witnessed. At a public safety level, we must be able to recruit police and fire to serve and protect our community. As a candidate for the Gainesville City Commission, recruitment and retention are top priorities for me. Police can’t solve this problem alone; however, fully-staffed shifts with high morale give us a much better chance of catching individuals who commit acts of violence when they commit those acts.
At a community level, we must understand why this continues to happen. While there are some common denominators, every incident has a different face. At one point, I believed this was fueled by a lack of jobs, but last week, during a meeting with CareerSource, I discovered otherwise; the opportunities for entry-level jobs and skilled labor are present in our community. Gun violence may be purely a lifestyle decision. If so, I’m still not giving up. If elected, I would first get the permission of our Sheriff to host recurring town halls in the jail. Not to provide sympathy, but to gain a deeper understanding. Next, I would invite members of other local governing bodies to join me in a joint committee. Many issues, not just gun violence, stem from communication gaps between our governing bodies. Closing communication gaps is crucial to the success of our community.
No community is expected to be perfect, but every community has the expectation of being safe. For those who choose violence, they’ll have to live with the cards they’re dealt by law enforcement and the judicial system. Those who opt out of violence deserve a pathway to prosperity.
Fareed Johnson, Gainesville
The opinions expressed by letter or opinion writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of AlachuaChronicle.com. Letters may be submitted to info@alachuachronicle.com and are published at the discretion of the editor.
Most of what you have stated is accurate on the majority of shootings in Alachua County. There really is more of a viokence problem than a gun problem. People are attacking and harming one another with knives, clubs, car, and guns. The latter arenothing but tooks used to commit the crime. Any issyes with guns seem to be convicted felons and people who are not allow to possess them in the first place. There still needs to be a huge overall of the judicial system that serves Alachua County. Violent Crime no matter the reason should be dealt with harshly. No kid gloves, no second hances, no low bail fir violent offenders. That should include every offender. If you use a weapon there should be an added penalty like 10 years. Law enforcement is trying its best but with low funding and constant ridicule it’s making it harder for them to do their jobs. I did not expect your statement to be a campaign ad for city commission. It started off with concern for issues of addressing violence but you lost me after your first pitch for city commission.
A study published by the Center for Justice Research shows that out of the eight largest cities in Ohio, six have seen a drop in violent gun offenses over the past year since the concealed carry law was in effect. The study was conducted by Bowling Green State University in partnership with the office for Ohio Attorney General David Yost. Other states have the same results but it doesn’t fit the liberal narrative.
How about a link Justin?
Here’s a link to a news article. The article has a link to the research:
https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/politics/ohio-politics/new-study-claims-permitless-carry-didnt-increase-gun-violence-but-police-argue-against-it
Thanks.
“New study claims permitless carry didn’t increase gun violence, but police argue against it
….But the data doesn’t tell the full story, the Fraternal Order of Police’s Brian Steel said.
“We also had an all-time homicide rate — Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati combined,” Steel said.
Researchers only analyzed data from June 2021 to June 2023.
Pandemic gun violence was unique and peaked like never before, so it is natural for a decrease, Steel explained.
“If crime went down a little bit, I do not classify it as significant,” he said. “I think we have to expand the study a little more, and then see what happens.”
News 5 looked into the data, going back a decade. The figures that were used by the report weren’t accessible for News 5 Thursday, as it came from specific crime data requested by the Center for Justice Research.
For a representative data point, News 5 looked at Department of Health data on gun deaths across the state since 2012.
Firearm deaths have steadily increased since 2012. Yes, 2023 crime did go down, but it’s about the same as 2019, which police say is a much more comparable year.
RELATED: Despite rise in child deaths, Ohio lawmakers won’t allow for gun safety laws
The city of Cleveland is now condemning the gun rights groups’ analysis.
“This is a classic case of confusing correlation with causation,” city spokesperson Tyler Sinclair said. “Violent crime trends were down across the nation last year, not just here in Ohio.”
This was confirmed by nonpartisan organization Council on Criminal Justice….
“The study literally states that fluctuations in crime rates they measured ‘could be due to the influence of other factors'” he noted.
Sexton said that the way to actually stop crime is by harsher penalties for offenders.
“Ohio needs to be concentrating more on criminal activity than targeting law-abiding people, in their right to carry a fire to protect themselves,” Sexton said. “There’s a sense of lawlessness and that lawlessness I think is based on the idea that there’s no real consequence.”
Mike Weinman with the FOP took issue with this, saying enforcing the law is directly impacted by the Statehouse.
“This task has become harder every time legislation is passed that takes tools from our toolbelts.” Weinman said. “Gun laws, in particular, have been disappearing from our toolbelts, making it much more difficult to curb the gun violence that is gripping our State.”
It’s easy to find the report. Do a Google search on “Pre- and Post-Outcomes: Ohio’s Permitless Carry Law” by Center for Justice Research. I submitted a link to a news article and the report, previously, but it is awaiting moderation and may not get accepted.
Stay in GNV. You couldn’t get elected for GNV city commission and you won’t win in the county.
Why the rise in gun violence? Look at the county’s jail/bail reform. There are NO consequences for criminal actions.
I’ll leave you with this:
“A study published by the Center for Justice Research shows that out of the eight largest cities in Ohio, six have seen a drop in violent gun offenses over the past year since the concealed carry law was in effect. The study was conducted by Bowling Green State University in partnership with the office for Ohio Attorney General David Yost.” The same with other states.
“The majority, of our shootings have been committed by young adult black males.”
Been saying that for months. Unfortunately, city leadership is afraid to admit it. They want to blame the guns…even certain individuals here on the Alachua Chronicle want to blame the guns. Why are they so afraid to state the obvious cause? Denial or deflection seems to be the chosen action from the progressives because they’re afraid of the “label” they’ll have if they call it for what it is.
Until then, the only thing that needs to be disconnected is the criminals from the law abiding citizens – by whatever means necessary.
If they admit that then they also have to admit there are bigger issues at play; poverty, subpar education systems, less job opportunities, etc that play into why these young black men turn to crime to begin with.
Well…..
This is a well typed article. Very poetic, and heart felt, but I’m not voting for you.
Sorry. 😔 It hasn’t made a difference in who I voted for in recent years, the gun crimes are steadily on upswing.
So, on the subject of younger black males committing violent gun crimes, you would be correct.
That idea then, inherently comes with a question of race. In other words, one can’t look in a mirror, without seeing his or her reflection.
So what then would be a feasible and reasonable solution?
Well, harsher sentences for these crimes would be a good start.
We read all the time here on AC crime archives how charges are dropped, and the perp gets a slap on the wrist, then gets out of jail and does it again. But worse…..
The local courts know there is a shortage of DOC Guards, therefore I see it as a legal attempt to keep prison populations down, and the perps know this.
I believe that when an arrest is made for a felony gun crime, the perps cell phone should be thoroughly searched. The information contained in these devices would be useful to Law Enforcement. But, ASO DOJ probably can’t afford “Tech support personnel” at the jail. So there goes that idea.
Gun violence and gun crimes are on the rise because in depth research on each individual perps cell phone, his personal life, and his family life is not being questioned.
How did the FBI’s BAU unit come to be?
They started with the idea that, if we interviewed convicted murderers in prison, then got a consensus on their behaviors and belief systems, then we can “profile” future killers. Perhaps Florida’s penal system needs to implement the same idea to curb the gun violence epidemic. It’s above my name tag. All I can do personally, is protect myself and my family members.
That’s a slippery slope searching cellphones without a warrant.
Agreed, but Johnny did point out it was after an arrest for a gun crime. At that point it is well within their rights to look to see if others may have been involved.
Why wait until elected? Go walk the streets, the projects, at night and talk with them there. In jail they will be remorseful. But, it all starts with manners and respect for others. Do not park in front of stores or use handicap placard to park closer. This is just an example of disregard for rules in a civilized society, not a village leads to a more orderly society. But it starts in an early age in school and the home. Respect for our country We are all Americans, if born here be proud. But when you are told that the police are your enemy and all that you are told is that over and over again that “whitey” is evil. Then we have racial division and race baiters and hustlers move in.
It all starts at home. These “youths, jits or young folk” as they are called have never been held accountable for their actions. Tony Jones and the State Attorney’s office many years ago wanted to stop prosecuting young folk and thus have no consequences for their actions. Moving forward, no good homelife, no risk of punishment and a liberal city / county commission that is afraid to call a spade a spade. Wake up before you are the next victim of a violent crime. Things gotta change. Because once one of these young folks get shot by the police, it won’t be their fault , it will be everyone else’s because we all know that “they were such good young folk that never did anything wrong”.
Life priorities is the foundation. It’s no coincidence that schools and families began declining during and after the Counterculture era. Raising up individuals over families and the personal support system that entails.
Hollywood has been glorifying violence since silent movie days, too. “Cops and robbers” and “Cowboys and Indians” is still the norm but has new masks influencing impressionable minds. Individual minds. In each family some kids succeed and some do not, they have stunted runts in the litter like other animals. Spiritual and mentally malevolent runts.
Hence the needs for good peeps to defend themselves. Because the court system and politicians certainly will not.
This political ad ignores the simple facts that the black community has to start being responsible for their children. That includes not tolerating the gangs and acting out by the children and teens. After that is respect for others, morals, going to school to be able to qualify for better than entry level jobs.
He’s a product of the welfare system…single parent families with multiple baby daddies collecting a welfare check, getting free public education daycare parenting and section 8 housing and food stamps. Cut out the free sh!t and see what personal responsibility will do! Don’t breed em if you can’t educate and feed em!!!
This includes supporting the police, instead of the criminals and their activists. Victims and society are the ones deserving of “justice”. FAREED, what exactly have you done on the Police Advisory Council to support the police, rather than handicap them?
When I imagine myself as a young black man growing up in Gainesville I see the following: I do not know my Father, and if I do, he never married my Mother. My siblings are half brothers and sisters from other absent Dads. My Mother does not have a job, but relies on the system for subsistence, just as her Mother and her Mother before her. The morals of petty larceny (if it is not locked or watched, it is available) are taught by my Mother and those around her. I am discounted at school, and my Mother expects the school to act as parent. I watch media that glorifies violence and listen to ‘music’ that does as well. My dream is professional sports (unlikely) rap/hip-hop career (unlikely) or drug dealer. Drug dealer/thief is the path of least resistance. Stolen guns are cheap. If you don’t have a gun, you are viewed as weak….if you have one, you are powerful, dangerous, feared and ‘respected’…..It is also a tool of your inevitable vocation. The ‘cure’? I suggest: 1) the delegitimization of bastardy. 2) Religion (church) 3) Discipline at the schools. 4) The promotion of education as a path to success.
When the gun violence hits the campus, that’s when you’ll start seeing some action take place. Daddy with the deep pockets will make a few calls, can’t have his daughter attending a college that has shootings on it! The epidemic is already here and is infecting the whole county.
You who vote blue, you got what you voted for. Now enjoy your rewards.
Clearly this problem didn’t happen overnight and will certainly not be fixed overnight. Applying new laws means absolutely nothing to the lawless. The core issue is a complete lack of respect for others and disregard for any sense of safety. This has been decades in the making. You can’t instill values in those who were never taught them any more than you transplant a different brain into them. There has to be a massive swing in the mentality of raising children before there can be any meaningful change. In the meantime we can only be very aware of our surroundings and get comfortable with some level of self defense. The medicine will take longer to take effect than the infection did. There has to be a much, much greater number wanting this change than those who don’t, such as politicians who benefit themselves in times of crisis.
Does Fareed have a job? Can’t believe he even THOUGHT a lack of opportunity or jobs would be a cause.
Yep, more committees would really help the situation I’m just sure of it….s/
Try not to be a solo pedestrian. Avoid known high crime areas. Keep alert, no texting, no headphones. Trust your gut feelings. Don’t look like a victim. Stay armed. Practice. Remember, the courts have declared that the police do not have an obligation to protect you. Maybe local politicians will do something to improve the jeopardy of our citizens, but so far their responses have been counterproductive. You are responsible for your own safety and self defense.
Thank you Mr. Johnson for your letter. I encourage you to read Steve Sailer’s new book ‘Noticing’ and perhaps you will further understand some of the troubling facts about violent crime, particularly as it relates to young black men.
Unfortunately I don’t share your optimism that hosting joint committees and jailhouse town halls will help with any of this. If instead, you propose a one-and-done sentencing mandate for these individuals, you might make some progress.
The practice of ‘sealing’ a juvenile’s criminal record, especially violent crime, should be reevaluated. Many juveniles have extensive violent crime records and get nothing but a slap on the wrist for assault, possession of a firearm, and theft. Starting all over with their record wiped clean when 18 does not help protect the community from these violent repeat offenders.
Guns aren’t violent, people are. Mental illness.
All law abiding citizens should carry a firearm. If we make these criminals pay a heavy price for their crimes, they will think twice before doing it.
Just here to read what solutions Bradford Bumpkin, Rogers Corner, Johnny Cash and Bear9765 are bringing to the table? I’m sure since they comment EVERYDAY on EVERY post about crime in the county they would have some constructive ideas instead of consistent criticism. I’d love to hear more about problem solving ideas instead of the bulls*** they go on and on about. But of course the easiest thing to do is sit back and criticize. It’s easy to look from the outside and “call it how you see it.”
The issues with violence in the communities start with single parent households, lack of discipline, lack of positive male leadership in the community , lack of state attorneys and judges with backbones, lack of correctional officers, GPD staffing shortages, ASO staffing shortages, the easy access to stole guns in the streets, overly popular gang culture, influence from drug dealers on the youth, the constant excuses from city and county commissions, the garbage diversion programs, the overly populated local government with democrats and liberal wrong minded ideas, the shortage of conservative ideas in the local government, the misuse of funding, the highly unproductive gun violence summits, I can go on and on and on, but in the end whatcha gonna do? Nobody is stopping you from initiating change, running for office, bringing ideas to the table but doing that is too much like right, harder than being a keyboard warrior and let’s be honest it’s less fun.
I hope you all have individual rebuttals and don’t disappoint me.
Why is it always Liberal Vs. Conservative? If we cannot come to the table together and make real collaborative efforts for change, the community will continue to go in this same direction with no real solutions. A reminder: A House, Community, Government, or any organization divided against itself cannot stand.
Excellent post and the best one here. Bless you for posting it.