Mayor Wheeler gathers with community leaders at Dawson Park

"Thank you for inviting me here today to address the violence that occurred here in Dawson Park a few days ago, and how the Cityis responding.

First, I want to acknowledge the concerns voiced by community.

I share the anger and sadness this unthinkable incident has caused, and the desire to find meaningful solutions to see that it never happens again.

I also want to be clear that the Cityhas been working for years with community to find solutions to address gun violence, including in Dawson Park.

There are several efforts underway, many of which began in the last two years, but some of which have been redoubled since this incident happened.

While it may ring hollow right now, it is important to note that the city's gun violence is showing significant improvement.

Total shooting incidents are down 30 percent over the last three years, and gun-related homicides among Black Portlanders is down 38% in the last year.

We can't let our momentum in that direction stop.

Nonetheless, my team along with Deputy City Administrator for Public Safety Mike Myers, Police Chief Bob Day, Office of Violence Prevention teams, and Portland Ceasefire teams will continue working closely together and with the community to stop cycles of retaliation and revitalize areas in which violence is occurring.

I agree that policing is an important part of this conversation, and I appreciate the community uplifting that particular need today.

In Dawson Park, the Portland Police Bureau is increasing patrols and working to raise its visibility in the area, while also investigating this incident as quickly as possible.

I'm optimistic that recent arrests that resulted in the seizure of multiple firearms, is a significant step toward improving safety in Dawson Park.

The Office of Violence Prevention and Portland Ceasefire, which began just one year ago, have been canvassing this vicinity and expanding outreach to intervene in cycles of retaliation and prevent further violence from occurring.

And an upcoming grant will partially be focused on the Eliot neighborhood and will enhance the efforts of the Safe Blocks team in Dawson Park as well.

All of these efforts are evolving. This incident offers a moment in which we can assessand pivot as needed, and we are open to that feedback.

My team has been in direct communication with members of the Dawson Park community for the past few years, whether individual meetings, or larger meetings with faith leaders, the neighborhood association, local organizations, and through biweekly Problem Solver meetings.

I know these meetings may not always provide quick fixes and I recognize the energy the community has put into working with us to make things better.

I know that many of you are feeling frustrated and discouraged, but please continue to engage with us.

There are many good people who are committed to finding creative and lasting solutions to these complex problems and literally saving lives.

We need to approach this problem as holistically as possible, which calls on all of us to work together.

No option is off the table. I will consider all the recommendations and requests we have received and will continue to explore every potential lever at the City's disposal to address violence in Dawson Park and throughout our city.