How does Chattanooga address recent violence?

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga was rocked by a tragic weekend of violence, and now the community wants answers.

“Particularly the last eighteen months with the pandemic, all of us, the communities, the world, are living in a heightened state of crisis,” says Sejal West with Volunteer Behavior Healthcare.

A 14-year-old girl was among those shot on Grove Street Saturday night. She attended Brainerd High School.

West says the violence stems from a lack of proper resources for youth.

“We focus a lot on prevention, intervention, and recovery. And they all play together. It’s kind of a circle. So there are a lot of things that can be done on the preventative end.”

News 12 stopped by Grove Street today to hear from residents themselves about their thoughts regarding the recent tragedy.

“It’s all around you, so you think it’s just part of life. But its other things outside of life. We got to get a program that they should have been did. Like they were here since 88, I ain’t heard of no gang prevention program or nothing like that,” says resident, “T. West”.

West says the community will have to step up and work together to prevent future tragedy.

“During times like this, collaboration and partnership are vital and key for a community.”