York City anti-gun violence campaign expands to Steelton after shootings

Leaders respond to recent rise in shootings within the borough

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:25am

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An extreme close-up of a spent bullet casing on a dark concrete surface, conceptually representing the sudden, gritty nature of gun violence in the community.A community-driven anti-violence campaign aims to disrupt the sudden, unpredictable nature of gun crime in Steelton.York Today

York City's 'Stop That' anti-violence campaign is expanding to Steelton after numerous violent shootings in the borough, including incidents that left people injured or dead. Leaders from York City's Gun Violence Intervention program are offering to help make Steelton safer through door-to-door outreach, food, clothing, and reassurance.

Why it matters

The 'Stop That' campaign started in York in 2023 after a deadly shooting, and the response has helped residents feel safer and more supported. Steelton leaders say the borough needs change after a recent rise in violence, including a shooting at the Soul Lounge and a deadly incident at the Paradise Palace.

The details

The 'Stop That' tour is meant to bring communities together through surprise visits, without announcing locations in advance to mirror how crime can happen without warning. Leaders say the campaign is 'universal' and just requires a community of people willing to come together.

  • The 'Stop That' campaign started in York City in 2023.
  • The Steelton tour begins on Monday night.

The players

Ciera Dent

The mayor of Steelton who described a 'pattern' of shootings in the borough.

Tiff Lowe

The director of York City's Gun Violence Intervention program, which is helping expand the 'Stop That' campaign to Steelton.

Jesse Evans

A longtime Steelton resident and the president of St. John's Lutheran Church, who says the borough needs change after a recent rise in violence.

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What they’re saying

“If they continue to show up the way they're going to show up tonight, then Steelton will be another city that is attending more graduations and less funerals.”

— Tiff Lowe, York City GVI program director

“I remember the first one when we did it, there were community members that had said to us, 'Man, I haven't sat on my porch in years, but just the fact that you guys are out here, I felt safe enough.'”

— Tiff Lowe, York City GVI program director

“It just seems like over the last couple of years we've had different problems, you know, but nothing like we've had in the last, I'd say six months with the shootings.”

— Jesse Evans, St. John's Lutheran Church president and 79-year Steelton resident

What’s next

Leaders said the Steelton tour begins on Monday night, but they are not saying where or when in advance. They said the surprise approach is meant to mirror how crime can happen without warning.

The takeaway

The expansion of York City's successful 'Stop That' anti-violence campaign to Steelton highlights the need for community-based solutions to address rising gun violence in smaller Pennsylvania towns, with leaders hoping to bring residents together and make neighborhoods feel safer.