After three shootings in just three days in the Metro area -- one city leader has planned to take steps to address the issue of gun violence.
Vice Mayor David Briley sent a letter to Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson and Metro Health Department Director Dr. William Paul Tuesday calling for a council hearing on gun violence. The hearing will address what Briley called “both a public safety and public health issue.”
“To me, it’s such an important issue,” said Briley. “We can’t afford to lose another life to gun violence if we can.”
Chief Anderson and Dr. Paul were asked to present information on if there was a possible increase in gun violence in the past 24-36 months, trends in the type of gun violence, plans to combat gun violence, and the resources needed to control the problem.
Briley said even though state law limits council members’ ability to control guns in Davidson County, he still hoped the hearing will provide some solutions.
“Hopefully, we can come up with some good ideas about innovative approaches that will keep guns out of the hands of people who will make mistakes and be violent.”
The hearing was scheduled for Oct. 18 at 5:30 p.m. in Metro Council Chambers. Briley said Chief Anderson and Dr. Paul will present information, and council members will be able to ask questions. Future hearings on the issue are also a possibility.
