Lansing officials push to reduce youth violence after mass shooting

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Lansing officials are pushing for curfews, stricter gun laws and programs for at-risk youth following Monday's mass shooting that killed a youth 17-year-old and injured six other people.

Previous coverage: Mass shooting in downtown Lansing leaves 1 dead, 6 injured

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said more needs to be done to prevent senseless violence that claims young lives.

“Disputes cannot escalate into shootings; this has to stop,” Schor said at a press conference Tuesday morning.

The shooting at Rotary Park killed 17-year-old Kylete Owens and injured six others. Kylete's family said he was a sophomore at Lansing Everett High School. They said he was a great kid and loved by many.

Schor is calling on state and federal authorities to help combat the crimes, hoping to prevent other teens from experiencing the violence that shook the Lansing community early Monday morning.

“This was not a planned event. This is something that happened because people shared the event and the location throughout the night,” Lansing Deputy Police Chief Robert Backus said.

At the May 28 press conference, Schor discussed the need to fund increased police patrols and called for live camera monitoring throughout the city. He also said the city would impose curfews for minors and calls for stricter gun laws.

“There need to be more serious consequences for those who lose their gun or allow their gun to be stolen,” Schor said.

Schor also said the plan is to work with groups like Village Lansing to help reduce violence among youth.

“People involved in gun violence that are ravaging our community, nobody wants those people on the streets,” said Michael Lynn Jr. of Lansing Village. “So if they are intentionally working to address this community of these individuals, I think everyone is OK with that. Sometimes this dragnet happens, and they catch 25 kids that have nothing to do with anything, and even now, we're still trying to get our kids out of the justice system as best we can.

The Lansing 360 Gun Violence Prevention Collaborative is hosting its bi-weekly meeting on May 29 at noon. Law enforcement, first responders, educators and local leaders will discuss ways to combat gun violence.

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