Gun violence on the rise across Vermont, state expects that trend to continue
The state is now tracking more specific gun data, as incidents rise throughout Vermont.
The state is now tracking more specific gun data, as incidents rise throughout Vermont.
The state is now tracking more specific gun data, as incidents rise throughout Vermont.
Vermont is now tracking more specific gun data, as incidents of gun violence rise throughout the state.
Weekly reports are breaking down types of incidents and where they're occurring. In 2022, there have been 94 gun fire situations across the Green Mountain State.
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Schirling said the increase is why they're beginning to track the numbers more specifically.
"We're confident this is a significant increase," Commissioner Schirling said. "So far, what's happening on a week-to-week basis in Vermont is quite concerning."
As of Tuesday, there have been 47 gunfire incidents that have either hit someone, something, or was directed in someone's direction. The other 47 reported involved a firearm intimidating or threatening a person.
The unprecedented numbers, Commissioner Schirling said, are happening all over the state. Some areas, however, are experiencing more problems.
Springfield, Vermont has seen a more gunfire issues in 2022, but Burlington is on track to break records. The Queen City has nine reported gunfire incidents this year, which is triple what that had this time last year.
At a public safety press conference on Thursday, Acting Chief Jon Murad described a depleting police force doing their best to respond to the increase in call volume last Saturday night.
"We had 58 calls for service, 58 incidents that included gunfire incidents, shootings, stabbings, domestic assaults," Acting Chief Murad said. "It was a tremendously, tremendously busy 14-hour period."
Staffing shortages are hitting police departments all over the state.
Governor Phil Scott answered NBC5's request for comment on the state's gunfire issue Friday. He expressed great concern, and added:
"Like many sectors, law enforcement too is facing workforce shortages, and we need to do our best to support their work and attract more Vermonters to the essential profession."
Commissioner Schirling also believes that the staffing issues are contributing to the increase in gun problems.
Another issue plaguing the state, which the commissioner knows is compounding the situation, is the opioid crisis.
"It's organized drug trade," Commissioner Schirling said. "Overdoses are up, deaths from overdoses are up. They're all intertwined in a way that paints a difficult picture right now."
Out of five homicides in Vermont this year, four have been confirmed as drug-related.
The state continues to emphasize that if you see something, say something.