Town hall addresses increase in Sioux Falls gun violence

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – Several hundred people showed up for a town hall meeting to address a recent rash of shootings in Sioux Falls.

Some expressed frustration over the increase in gun violence during the meeting Tuesday night at a community center. Others questioned if police are doing enough, while others praised officers for their difficult work.

Since July 8, there have been 12 confirmed shootings in Sioux Falls, mainly on the city’s east side. Lt. Adam Petersen told the crowd the department has shifted officers’ duties to respond to the violence. Peterson says investigators are trying to determine where the firearms being used in the shootings are coming from in hopes of holding the suppliers accountable.

AP-WF-07-31-19 1143GMT