KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The city of Kalamazoo is finishing up its most violent year on record, with gun violence reaching new highs for the second year in a row.
Data from the Department of Public Safety indicates that 90 people were shot in Kalamazoo last year, including 14 who died, shattering the previous high of 75 shootings in 2020.
Authorities reporting this number rapidly rising just over the last few years jumping from 29 in 2018 to 38 a year later to 75 in 2020 and 90 for 2021.
In an interview with WWMT, Kalamazoo City Mayor David Anderson says $2 million set aside by the city and Kalamazoo County to combat gun violence should help by pumping money into grassroots organizations that he hopes can address the core problems in many neighborhoods.
“We need to reinforce and help fund local block-by-block initiatives to address opportunities in neighborhoods, to address connecting people with people who care in neighborhoods,” said Anderson.
“It can’t be just about the gun or just about the shooting. This has got to be a community response because it is a culture and community that creates the opportunity for this.”
