Asheville, North Carolina – A local pastor claims city leaders have ignored his persistent calls for a youth gang-prevention program, despite his warnings that such intervention is critical to curbing escalating violence. Dr. Ronald Gates, senior pastor of Greater Works Church of God in Christ and a Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office chaplain, told Fox News Digital that he first proposed a program similar to the Los Angeles-based Gang Free initiative in 2016.
His proposal aimed to educate fourth through sixth graders about gang recruitment tactics and the consequences of involvement. Gates, who had past ties to the Vice Lords gang in his youth, believes early intervention is key to steering young people away from crime, particularly those seeking belonging or financial stability.
"They did not want to actually acknowledge that it was gang activity,” Gates said. “They wanted to make sure that they tried to whitewash the narrative as they’re saying that these are just retaliations between individuals.”
The issue has gained urgency following a series of retaliatory shootings that resulted in two deaths and seven injuries. City officials have described the violence as disputes between groups of friends rather than gang-related activity.
Gates asserts that his program would offer more than just education. It would also connect young people with law enforcement officers, mentors, and local business owners to provide alternatives to the allure of gang life. This could include educational support, mentorship, and exposure to legal entrepreneurship, offering paths to earn money legitimately.
"Now they’re learning how to make honest money, business money, capital, instead of putting their life on the line,” Gates explained.
He recounted presenting his proposal to various city and county officials over the past decade, including mayors, city and county managers, and police chiefs. Gates stated that in 2016, he was told Asheville did not have a significant gang problem that would warrant such a program. He warned at the time that the city needed to act proactively.
"I said, ‘Give it two years,’" Gates recalled. "Two years to the year."
State data indicates that Asheville has experienced a rise in violent crime. In 2024, the city reported 42% more violent crimes compared to 2016. Aggravated assaults saw a notable increase, rising from 335 to 558, while reported robberies decreased. Although violent crime peaked in 2022, the 2024 figures remain higher than those from 2016.
Fox News Digital has reportedly reached out to Asheville officials for comment regarding Gates' claims about his repeated presentations of the prevention program and why it was not adopted.
Gates emphasized that while not all violent disputes are gang-related, the city should not delay action until a formal gang designation is made, especially when young people are caught in cycles of retaliation. He stated that the underlying motivation for some disputes stems from a desire for retribution.
He believes the focus should be on providing opportunities for young people to avoid paths leading to incarceration or death, stressing that prevention efforts require practical support well before any incident occurs.
Gates advised anyone contemplating retaliation to seek guidance from a trusted adult, such as a family member or business owner, before making life-altering decisions. He urged individuals to consider the true costs of retaliation, including loss of life or freedom.