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Kalamazoo commissioner says bullets struck her home; urges community action against gun violence
Summary
Commissioner Stephanie Hoffman recounted an early‑morning shooting that sent bullets through her home, injuring no one but leaving damage to multiple rooms. Hoffman told the Aug. 18 commission the incident strengthened her resolve to pursue community solutions to gun violence.
Commissioner Stephanie Hoffman told the Kalamazoo City Commission on Aug. 18 that her house was struck three times by gunfire during an early‑morning exchange of gunfire nearby.
Hoffman said bullets passed through her living room above the front door, through her master bathroom and bedroom, and through her garage, damaging a water filter and other interior fixtures but causing no physical injuries. She described being awakened by alarms and the “utter fear” of seeing bullet holes throughout her house.
“I was completely disoriented,” Hoffman said, describing how police responded and inspected the house. She told commissioners the bullets appeared to come from rifle fire between two vehicles and said the experience left her shaken but determined: “Bullets don't have a name on it. Bullets don't care what you do for a living.”
Hoffman used the public platform to press for renewed community focus on prevention and support services. She urged adults to model different behavior for youth and called for increased efforts to address the root causes of gun violence.
Vice Mayor Hess expressed support for Hoffman and called for community solidarity: “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home,” Hess said. The commission paused for condolences and a moment of reflection before closing the meeting.
Why it matters: an elected official reported her home was struck multiple times by gunfire, highlighting the risks of indiscriminate gunfire in residential neighborhoods and prompting calls for prevention, community intervention and public‑safety responses.
