PRESS RELEASE: Wilmington City Council to Hold Press Conference Addressing Recent Gun Violence, Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation, and Community Safety
June 30, 2026
Wilmington City Council to Hold Press Conference Addressing Recent Gun Violence, Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation, and Community Safety
Wilmington, DE – In response to the heartbreaking acts of gun violence that have shaken Wilmington in recent weeks, Wilmington City Council will hold a press conference on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Louis L. Redding City/County Building, 800 N. French Street, Wilmington.
Council members will address the recent officer-involved shooting that claimed the life of 19-year-old Kadir Skinner, as well as the broader pattern of gun violence affecting neighborhoods across the City. Recent tragedies, including the fatal shooting at ChristianaCare’s Wilmington Hospital and other shootings throughout Wilmington, have left families grieving and residents seeking answers while raising concerns about community safety.
“Our community is grieving,” said City Council President Trippi Congo. “Many are also disheartened that there was not an immediate conversation held with our residents to not only acknowledge the killing of Kadir, but also the anger and suspicion it evoked. Several of us on Council feel the same way. All we want is the truth. No matter how difficult it may be, everyone deserves to know the truth. This is not a City Council led investigation, so we don’t have the information that many people want. But, please join us tomorrow to begin this much needed discussion.”
Council recognizes the community’s desire for transparency while respecting the ongoing investigations being conducted by the Wilmington Police Department and the Delaware Department of Justice. Council Members will reaffirm their commitment to keeping residents informed.
“Every shooting leaves behind grieving families, traumatized neighbors, and communities searching for hope,” said Public Safety Committee Chair and 6th District Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy. “We cannot allow violence to become something we simply grow accustomed to. Wilmington City Council remains committed to prevention, accountability, and working with our community to build safer neighborhoods for all.”
Council also emphasized that its commitment to violence prevention long predates these recent tragedies. In 2023, Wilmington City Council joined the Community Public Safety Initiative (CPSI), which was launched through collaboration with three nonprofits and a dedicated director, always with the goal of building an Office of Community Safety.
Since then, City Council has continued investing in evidence-based public safety initiatives, including Network Connect, Group Violence Intervention Delaware, Partners in Care, the Wilmington Community Police Accountability Board, and, most recently, the City’s new Office of Community Safety through the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Council members stressed that addressing gun violence requires sustained collaboration among government, community organizations, law enforcement, faith leaders, educators, families, and residents.
“Since my Guns Down press conference in 2023, I’ve continued advocating for stronger violence prevention because every child deserves to return home safely,” said 3rd District Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver. “There is no quick fix to gun violence. It will take all of us working together to keep our communities safe.”
Residents and members of the media are encouraged to attend.
Speakers:
- Wilmington City Council President Trippi Congo
- Public Safety Committee Chair and 6th District Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy
- 3rd District Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver
- 2nd District Councilwoman Shané Darby
- Interdenominational Ministers Action Council of Delaware, Inc.
What: Wilmington City Council Press Conference on Community Safety and Recent Gun Violence
When: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Louis L. Redding City/County Building, 800 N. French Street, Wilmington, Delaware
###
MEDIA CONTACT:Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications, Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com