COLUMBIA, S.C. — Law enforcement says gun violence is on the rise in the Midlands, especially among teens and children.
“We are losing a generation,” said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott.
According to the Richland County Coroner’s Office, 18 children and teens died from gunshot wounds between 2022 and June 2024.
Most recently, 16-year-old Julian Keel, an innocent bystander, was shot and killed in the parking lot of a restaurant following a late-night graduation party on June 2.
In response to this, Columbia City Councilman Tyler Bailey plans to propose a curfew during Tuesday, June 25’s Public Safety Committee meeting.
“"It seems like every summer in Columbia, there is an uptick in shootings," Bailey said.
He emphasized that the curfew is not meant to punish teens but to protect them.
"With all the guns on the streets, there's legal firearms, permitless carry now with no training, and the weapons around are so dangerous," Bailey said. "So, I figured we have to do something. It's a conversation starter."
From politicians to law enforcement to clergy, local leaders agree it is going to take the community to help curb juvenile crime.
If you are looking for ways to help, here are a few resources:
Local Resources and Initiatives:
Columbia Urban League
- Works to empower communities and change lives, offering youth programs that include leadership development and violence prevention.
- Website: Columbia Urban League
City of Columbia’s Office of Community Development
- Runs various community engagement and development programs to address violence and promote safety in local neighborhoods.
- Website: City of Columbia Community Development
Crimestoppers of the Midlands
- A community-based program that encourages citizens to assist in the fight against crime, including providing tips related to gun violence.
- Website: Crimestoppers of the Midlands
North Columbia Youth Empowerment Initiative (NCYEI)
- Community partners working toward a common goal through building relationships and lifting up local leaders and their vision of positive change
- Website: NCYEI
Prisma Health Children's Hospital
- Provides resources and programs focusing on community health and safety, including initiatives aimed at reducing youth violence.
- Website: Prisma Health - Midlands
Richland County Sheriff's Department Youth Programs
- Offers various youth outreach programs, including the Youth Arbitration Program, which provides alternatives to juvenile detention.
- Website: Richland County Sheriff's Department
Serve & Connect
- Creates space for community organizations and law enforcement to come together to create real solutions to shared challenges
- Website: Serve & Connect
National Organizations and Resources:
Everytown for Gun Safety
- A leading organization advocating for stronger gun laws and policies to reduce gun violence, with specific initiatives focused on protecting children and teens.
- Website: Everytown for Gun Safety
Brady: United Against Gun Violence
- Named after James Brady, this organization works to enact and enforce sensible gun laws, including programs focused on youth and community safety.
- Website: Brady Campaign
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
- A grassroots movement advocating for public safety measures to protect people from gun violence, including specific campaigns around schools and youth.
- Website: Moms Demand Action
Students Demand Action
- A youth-led movement associated with Everytown for Gun Safety that mobilizes high school and college students to advocate for gun violence prevention.
- Website: Students Demand Action
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
- The NAACP addresses systemic issues contributing to gun violence in minority communities, offering resources and advocacy for policy change.
- Website: NAACP
Sandy Hook Promise
- Focused on preventing gun violence before it happens by empowering youth with the tools and skills to recognize warning signs and intervene.
- Website: Sandy Hook Promise
Support and Counseling Services:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - South Carolina
- Provides mental health support and resources for youth and families dealing with trauma from gun violence.
- Website: NAMI MidCarolina
Family Connection of South Carolina
- Offers support and resources for families of children and youth with special healthcare needs, including those affected by violence.
- Website: Family Connection SC
SC Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)
- Provides various programs aimed at preventing youth from engaging in criminal behavior and offering rehabilitation and support services.
- Website: South Carolina DJJ
Ways to Get Involved:
Volunteer Opportunities
- Many of the organizations listed above offer volunteer opportunities for community members to get involved in their efforts to combat youth gun violence.
Community Meetings and Town Halls
- Attend local meetings and town halls on public safety to voice concerns, stay informed, and support initiatives aimed at reducing violence.
Mentorship Programs
- Engage in mentorship programs that provide positive role models and guidance to at-risk youth in the community.
Educational Workshops
- Participate in or organize educational workshops focused on conflict resolution, safe gun storage, and the impact of gun violence.
Support Advocacy and Policy Changes
- Advocate for policy changes at the local and state levels that aim to reduce gun violence and support youth safety initiatives.
