Resident describes shooting at his home, urges council to prioritize cameras and grant oversight for West End neighborhood

At the council’s public comment period on Feb. 18, West End resident Michael Kirksey told the Salisbury City Council he has endured rounds of gunfire that struck his home and said drug activity on his block has gone unaddressed, asking the council to prioritize surveillance cameras for seniors and other residents in the neighborhood.

Kirksey said multiple bullets came through his front door and windows on Feb. 13 and that “none of those hit me.” He said his house and other nearby homes have been shot at and that several people in the West End “have been killed” by shootings. Kirksey asked the council to oversee the grant program that would supply cameras and other technology, saying he had been promised cameras in the community and that “my camera didn't catch the shooter.”

City Manager Jim Green and staff responded during general remarks that the police department is aware of Kirksey’s concerns. Green said the police chief has assigned detectives to work with Kirksey and investigate the incidents. Green also said the city is prioritizing placement of cameras on city poles where permitted and that he had discussed camera placements with the police chief earlier the same day.

Kirksey asked the council to ensure that promised equipment arrives and is distributed to seniors and others who fear for their safety. Council did not take immediate action but staff committed to follow up with the complainant and noted the police department has opened an investigation and assigned detectives.

The comment was recorded during public comment and staff answered with a commitment to investigate and coordinate with police and grant managers; no formal motion or council directive was made at the Feb. 18 meeting.