In a recent government meeting, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding youth violence and safety, highlighting the need for immediate action to protect children from bullying and assault. The meeting began with a moment of silence for Preston Lord and other young victims of violence, emphasizing the emotional toll these incidents have on families and communities.

Ms. Teresa Arnold shared a personal account of her daughter’s traumatic experiences with bullying and assault linked to a local gang, the Gilber Goons. Arnold described the severe impact these events had on her daughter’s mental health, nearly leading to a tragic outcome. She stressed the alarming trend of youth feeling hopeless and resorting to self-harm, drawing parallels to past school tragedies like Columbine.

Arnold also addressed the issue of weapon accessibility among minors, particularly focusing on brass knuckles. While she expressed support for Second Amendment rights, she argued that minors lack the training necessary to handle such weapons safely. She proposed the introduction of an ordinance to restrict the possession of brass knuckles by individuals under 18, suggesting that this could be a step toward enhancing youth safety.

The meeting underscored a growing demand for justice and protective measures for young people, as community members called for proactive solutions to combat violence and bullying in schools.