Mayor's Statement Recent Shootings in Wilkes-Barre

WILKES-BARRE - Mayor Thomas M. Leighton has released the following statement in response to the two city shootings that occurred today leaving one victim dead and two others in critical condition:

"These disturbing acts of violence have no place in our community. We will not tolerate it as we continue to combat violence in our streets. I have informed Chief Gerard Dessoye that he will have every available resource at his disposal to find those responsible in today's shootings. Both investigations are in the preliminary stages and we are working closely with the Luzerne County District Attorney's Office and Pennsylvania State Police. Anyone with information about either shooting is asked to contact the Wilkes-Barre Police Department immediately.

Although both shootings occurred within hours of each other, it is too early to speculate about a possible connection between the two. We are confident that both of these shootings were not random acts of violence. Given the proximity of these shootings to one another, I know that many city residents may be shocked, angered, and afraid tonight. The general public should not feel anundue risk of harm. I want to reassure them that this administration's top priority is to keep you and your family safe. Our police officers are on the streets daily protecting your property and ensuring your safety. That commitment will never waver.

As one of the first members of the Mayor's Coalition Against Illegal Guns for many years, I was encouraged by the president's legislative package unveiled yesterday to curb violence in our streets. Universal background checks on all gun sales and restricting the bullet capacity of magazines are common sensereforms that will save lives not just in Wilkes-Barre but across Pennsylvania and the country. Today, I would like to add my name in support of those measures."

(From the Mayor's Office)