During a recent council meeting in Dumfries, local leaders addressed the community's ongoing struggle with gun violence, following a tragic incident that resulted in loss of life. Council members expressed their condolences to the victims' families and emphasized the need for compassion and community unity in the face of such tragedies.

Councilman Phils highlighted the importance of upcoming community events aimed at promoting safety and awareness, including the seventh \"Stop the Violence\" event scheduled for Saturday at the Dumfries Shopping Center. He encouraged residents to participate and foster a supportive environment, stating, \"It's not about pointing fingers at anybody. We got to point the fingers at ourselves.\"

The meeting also celebrated the success of the recent Autism Appreciation Day, which provided a safe and inclusive space for children with disabilities. Council members expressed gratitude for community involvement and urged residents to bring forth solutions to improve the town.

Vice Mayor Lehi echoed the sentiments regarding gun violence, calling it an epidemic that requires collective action. \"We need mentors, and we really need to move with a village mentality,\" she stated, emphasizing that combating gun violence is a community responsibility.

Councilman Brown reinforced the need for awareness and proactive measures, stating, \"If you're not serious about trying to fix a problem, you're a part of the problem.\" He called for community engagement and accountability to address the root causes of violence.

As the meeting concluded, council members congratulated local graduates and encouraged continued community involvement to ensure Dumfries remains a vibrant and thriving place for all residents.