Dallas city and community leaders meet following deadly concert shooting

Dallas community leaders urge high crime area residents to act
Police
Photo credit MattGush/Getty Images

City and community leaders in Dallas met Wednesday to talk about the recent deadly concert shooting and what can be done to curb the violence.

The concert occurred over the weekend in southeast Dallas in which one person was killed and 16 others were injured when someone pulled a gun and started firing into the crowd.

Police chief Eddie Garcia says the department will do a better job of finding out when these types of non-permitted concerts take place, but they need the city's help.

"We need to ensure that we do not have fly-by-night promoters, that do not have an interest in the city of Dallas, but only making money and getting out of town, while they leave a wake of violence after they leave," Garcia said.

Dianne Gibson works in the city attorney's office and says the police can't do everything and communities need to step up.

"We are our patrol. When we see something, we say something and we do something. And if everyone could do that, we could make their (police) job easier," Gibson said.

Dallas community leaders are urging residents in certain high crime areas to take action.

The key to lowering crime in these areas is not just to rely on the police, but work with your community to make a difference, according to leaders.

Toni Brinker CEO of One Community says one program they believe works, is helping entrepreneurs open businesses in these high crime regions.

"When they become ambassadors for their community, they look out for the youth. And when we can we help prop them up and call on the city and what's more, give them hope," she says.

Brinker also says they are working with the city to help teach violence interrupters in an effort to break the cycle of crime with young people.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: MattGush/Getty Images