The city of Fayetteville in neighboring Cumberland County is taking action following a citywide increase in violent crime.
In a public statement posted Sunday night, Mayor Mitch Colvin said the rise in gun violence “demands decisive action” and announced that a special City Council meeting will be held on Monday, May 5, to discuss a proposed emergency plan.
The declaration comes as the city reels from a series of shootings, including a weekend incident that disrupted the long-running Dogwood Festival.
“The recent spike in gun violence demands decisive action by Fayetteville’s Mayor and Council,” Colvin said. “This weekend, the 43-year-old city tradition and staple event was interrupted by gunfire. Although no one was injured at the Dogwood Festival thanks to the swift response of on-site Fayetteville Police officers, the incident follows a carnival shooting in which a 12-year-old was wounded along with several other violent episodes throughout the City. We have had enough.”
Although no injuries were reported at the festival, an official quarterly report made public by the Fayetteville Police Department indicates that the violence is part of a broader trend that has seen 16 homicides from January through March of this year, up from three during the same time in 2024.
Though felony assaults have also increased in the first quarter of 2025, incidents of misdemeanor assaults and nonviolent crimes have reportedly declined compared to 2024 statistics.
Among the proposed measures under consideration are a citywide 9 p.m. curfew for unattended minors, penalties for parents who fail to comply, restrictions on masks and backpacks at city-owned properties and events, and expanded use of surveillance technologies including facial recognition and license plate readers.
Colvin also announced plans to bolster security through private partnerships and new fencing at large event venues, along with increasing the Crime Stoppers reward to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of violent offenders.
“Fayetteville is a resilient city, and our greatest strength is our unity,” Colvin said. “Together, we are committed to keeping our community safe—and to those who attempt to spread havoc and fear, we are coming for you.”
The City Council will meet next Monday to review the mayor’s plan and consider additional recommendations as the city continues with Fayetteville’s safety in mind.
Photo via City of Fayetteville.
