Highland Square, Lane Field, Merriman Valley, Kenmore, North Hill, Sherbondy Hill and the list goes on. Gun violence affects every part of our city and as the summer heats up, we’re seeing these senseless shootings on the rise. It’s not a matter of more Police; we’ve added additional police presence and private security in Highland Square, yet the recent shooting occured in a parking lot, with these safety measures in place. What can we learn from the 17 cities across the country who have the greatest declines in guns violence, and what are we doing here in Akron?
First, let’s consider this; 15 of the 17 top cities with gun violence declines are in states that have strong gun safety laws ( at lease a B- grade from the Giffords Law Center-Ohio ranks 30th out of 50 states). I know I may aggravate some folks, but In Ohio, there’s no waiting period for gun purchases, no magazine limits, no universal background checks, no ghost gun regulations or safe storage requirements and no permits for concealed carry. We have some of the weakest gun laws in the nation and even as a charter as a city, Akron cannot make changes here. Many gun advocates feel this list is evidence of strong Second Amendment protections rather than weakness.
Baltimore is the standout success story in U.S. gun violence reduction. In 2025, homicides declined by 31%, nonfatal shootings fell 31%, and since 2021 both have declined by nearly 60%. Their Gun Violence Reduction Strategy began in 2022, as a partnership between the Police Department, Mayor’s Office, and city Prosecutors. It combines social services and accountability to reach those with highest risk and to help them put down their guns and change behaviors. They also partner with with Maryland’s Department of Juvenile services to provide intensive interventions for youth in juvenile justice system.
Here in Akron, Mayor Malik has initiated and City Council has approved the Akron Street Team in 2024, a partnership with local nonprofit Minority Behavioral Health Group to engage with people at high risk of involvement in future violence. The Crime Gun Intelligence Center in September 2025, is a centralized network giving law enforcement better tools to track weapons across Summit County. And most recently the PIVOT program is a City funded program connecting gunshot victims with immediate support, trauma informed care and long term resources with our local hospitals and the Minority Behavioral Health Group.
We need to do more, and I support the new temporary curfews in Highland Square as a starting point. You can help too, by reporting anonymous tips to the Akron Police Department, on the MyAkron 311 app. If you have ideas, please reach out to me, any City Council Member or the Mayor’s Office.