Two people were killed and seven others were injured in a shooting in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, on July 19. Asheville Police Department officials stated the violence was a direct retaliatory act connected to an earlier shooting, though they have refrained from labeling it as gang-related.
The shooting occurred near Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue at approximately 2:20 a.m. Responding officers found multiple individuals with gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, two victims died at the scene. Seven others were transported to Mission Hospital.
Investigation Details
Interim Police Chief Jackie Stepp announced on July 24 that evidence indicated the shooting was a direct response to an incident on July 5 at an apartment complex. In that prior event, one person was shot, and an arrest was made. Stepp described the July 19 shooting as the "latest chapter" in a series of retaliatory actions within the city.
During a community briefing, Stepp declined to classify the violence as gang-related, stating that the involved parties were "two groups of individuals" with connections due to prior retaliatory acts. She noted that police had identified persons of interest in the recent shooting but were still working to locate and interview them. Details about whether the victims were targeted and the specific connection between the July shootings remain part of an active investigation.
Stepp reportedly told local media that while gang activity exists in Asheville, the recent shootings did not represent "traditional gang activity."
Community and Policy Considerations
A local pastor identified as a gang-prevention facilitator questioned the city's approach to violence prevention at the community briefing, mentioning a program he has offered since 2016. Mayor Esther Manheimer acknowledged the mayor's office had recently received his email and expressed interest in learning more. She highlighted Buncombe County's community safety plan and the city's existing prevention partnerships, stating the city is always open to new ideas and seeking to enhance its response to violence.
Manheimer also commented on the impact of North Carolina's gun laws, suggesting that loosened regulations and restrictions on local gun control measures make it more challenging for cities to address such issues. She noted an increasing responsibility for businesses to prevent firearms on their premises, while also acknowledging that disputes often escalate after individuals retrieve weapons from vehicles.
Police confirmed that a Glock switch, a device that can convert a semi-automatic handgun into a machine gun, was recovered. Stepp stated, "that’s what we saw here," but did not specify its origin.
The Asheville Police Department is requesting anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact them at 828-252-1110, submit an anonymous tip via the TIP2APD app, or text TIP2APD to 847411.