Police Chief Stephen Jenkins noted a recent drop in violent and property crime in the city, but community leaders still feel more work can be done.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The steps of Portsmouth City Hall became a podium Friday evening.
“No one here is pointing the finger calling them the enemy. But there is nothing wrong with holding people accountable,” said local pastor Barry Randall-Jenkins.
A collection of community advocates, Randall-Jenkins included, called for renewed attention on accountability from city leadership over recent gun violence in Portsmouth.
Their “Lead or Leave” rally comes the same week as local residents and business owners voiced concerns at Portsmouth City Council after two shootings, a triple shooting on Jefferson Street which led to the death of one man, and then a separate shooting on High Street in the city’s downtown.
“I’m standing here because I know. I’ve experienced it. The pain will never go away,” said Bilal Muhammad, leader of the Stop the Violence 757 organization, who lost …