Mayor Flaggs Acknowledges Violence Issue in Vicksburg

I would like to begin by extending my sincere appreciation to the Vicksburg Daily News for their ongoing
dedication to reporting the facts and for accepting my invitation to a one-on-one sit-down, which allowed me to address community concerns.

In my recent comments, I stated that Vicksburg does not have a crime problem. I realize now that this
statement may have been misleading and did not fully reflect the complexities of our current situation. I
want to correct this and provide a more accurate picture of what is happening in our community.

In doing my own follow up, I found it to be true that there have been close to 60 homicides in Vicksburg
over a 13 year period. It is undeniable that there has been an uptick in gun violence in Vicksburg. I do not wish to downplay these incidents or suggest that they are not a serious concern. However, it is important to note that these incidents have not been random. In each case, the individuals involved were known to each other in some capacity, meaning these are not cases of indiscriminate violence but rather incidents stemming from personal connections or conflicts.

Our city remains committed to addressing these issues with the seriousness they deserve. We are actively working with law enforcement to investigate these cases thoroughly and to implement strategies aimed at reducing violence and ensuring the safety of all residents. We understand that ensuring safety and fostering a secure environment for our community requires persistent effort and collaboration.

With that being said, it is important to address a significant challenge in our efforts. We cannot effectively tackle these issues if we are first made aware of them through social media posts. While social media is an integral part of our daily lives and has its benefits, it also poses challenges. Effective resolution of these issues requires timely and direct communication and response. We need to ensure that concerns are brought to our attention through appropriate channels so that we can respond effectively and in a timely manner.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to continued dialogue and partnership with our community to address these challenges effectively and to work towards a safer Vicksburg for everyone.