Mayor Gorton says Lexington’s violence is getting out of hand

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Mayor Linda Gorton and Police Chief Lawrence Weathers held a news conference Tuesday morning to discuss the ongoing violence in Lexington.

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Mayor Gorton called the recent gun violence unacceptable and urged people to assist police in “putting criminals behind bars.”

Gorton says Lexington is witnessing gun violence like other cities, but noted it’s getting out of hand.

“The violence we are seeing on our streets really angers me. It should anger you. It is brazen. It is bold, and it is without shame,” Gorton said.

The mayor said her team is working hard to ensure public safety. She said Flock cameras have assisted in recovering 73 stolen vehicles and have furthered 35 criminal investigations. She also touted the success of One Lexington in reducing violence among youth.

Mayor Gorton also highlighted her efforts to address homelessness, the lack of affordable housing, and substance abuse. She also noted domestic violence is on the rise, accounting for a third of the city’s homicides so far.

Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said the department has 86 officer vacancies.

“They’re leaving because they feel like they’re not appreciated. It’s time to stop all this nonsense and realize that you’ve got a different community and start appreciating what your police do for you,” said Weathers.

Mayor Gorton is asking people to be patient. She says reducing gun violence will take time. She says people must come forward if they have information about crimes. She says they can submit tips anonymously through CrimeStoppers.

Editor’s note: We’ve corrected a line in the story that misattributed Chief Weathers.