News Summary
Kansas City is experiencing a concerning rise in gun violence after a weekend that resulted in six deaths and multiple injuries from shootings. Community leaders and elected officials held a press conference to address the crisis and advocate for immediate action. The recent violence has intensified public frustration, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures and accountability among local businesses. Community members are calling for changes to reduce the ongoing threat of gun violence as they seek a safer environment.
Kansas City is grappling with a troubling surge in gun violence following a violent weekend that resulted in six fatalities and five injuries from multiple shootings across the area. In response to these alarming events, elected officials and community leaders gathered for a press conference at the BP gas station located at East 35th Street and Prospect Avenue to advocate for action against this persistent crisis.
The press conference took place after a shooting incident on June 14 that left four individuals injured, including Monique Smith, who succumbed to her injuries in the hospital shortly afterward. To honor her and other victims, a memorial has been established across from the gas station.
The weekend’s violence was particularly severe, with five fatal shootings reported linked to the Historic 18th and Vine district, following the recent local Juneteenth Festival. This series of violent events has intensified community frustration and fear regarding ongoing gun violence.
Public expressions of this frustration were voiced by leaders at the press conference, notably Pat Clarke from the Oak Park Neighborhood Association. Clarke underscored the community’s growing impatience with the continuous violence and the urgent need for change. Mayor Quinton Lucas emphasized that the community has had enough of the repeated incidents and committed to pursuing collective action to address the crisis.
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson also shared her emotional response to the recent surge in gun violence during the press conference, highlighting the critical need for proactive safety measures within the community. Johnson further indicated that businesses risk facing penalties if they fail to cooperate with law enforcement, particularly concerning loitering and other criminal activities occurring in their vicinity.
In particular, community leaders confronted the management at the BP gas station and the nearby Big D’s Liquor regarding ongoing loitering and criminal behavior. Nadeem Qureshi, a clerk at the BP gas station, noted the difficulties associated with hiring police for security due to cost constraints and expressed concern for the safety of both employees and patrons.
Investigations by community leaders revealed numerous individuals loitering and suspected of engaging in drug dealing near the liquor store. The area has been colloquially referred to by Mayor Lucas as “Club 35th and Prospect,” which reflects the dangers associated with loitering and open drug use in the region.
According to Kansas City Police reports, there were over 100 crime incidents recorded in the 35th and Prospect area from January to March 2025. In response to the escalating safety concerns, the City’s Public Safety Task Force has been working to hold businesses accountable for their role in maintaining neighborhood safety and has implemented various measures aimed at enhancing safety in such locations.
Community members are advocating for more stringent actions against businesses that neglect to address criminal activity on their premises. The need for increased security measures is underscored by alarming overall statistics; Jackson County has witnessed a total of 81 homicides in 2025, including police-involved shootings, driving home the urgency for community safety improvements.
In a show of unity, community activists, including children, joined local leaders at the press conference to call on businesses to prioritize safety and take action against loitering. Residents voiced a strong desire for immediate change, seeking a more secure environment as the city confronts the traumatic legacy of gun violence.
The community’s collective outcry for safety highlights the pressing need for comprehensive efforts to address the root causes of gun violence and to establish safer neighborhoods throughout Kansas City.
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Kansas City Metro Rocked by Weekend Surge in Violence
- KMBC: Kansas City Deadly Weekend Overview
- KSHB: Public Safety Task Force Demands Change
- Kansas City Star: Community Response to Violence
- Fox4KC: Community Calls for Action
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Kansas City Gun Violence
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Kansas City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Google News: Kansas City Shootings
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
