Fort Worth Grapples with Youth Gun Violence at Community Meeting

Police, community groups seek solutions to rising gun crime affecting young people

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:49pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a recent shooting incident involving a young person.A community grapples with the aftermath of youth gun violence, seeking solutions to prevent further tragedy.Fort Worth Today

Community leaders, Fort Worth organizers, and law enforcement gathered at a Beyond the Badge meeting, urging residents and local groups to address a surge of youth gun violence before more lives are lost. A grieving mother, a youth football coach, and a police officer shared personal stories highlighting the devastating impact of the issue and the need for collective action.

Why it matters

Gun violence has become a growing concern in Fort Worth, with several recent incidents involving young victims. This meeting reflects the community's recognition that the problem requires a collaborative approach between law enforcement, youth organizations, and residents to find effective solutions and support for at-risk youth.

The details

At the Beyond the Badge meeting, Fort Worth Police Officer and Spokesperson Tracy Carter stressed the urgency of addressing youth access to guns, noting 'If not, we're going to be in trouble.' Mercy Mungwa, a registered nurse, shared her personal tragedy of losing her 66-year-old mother to a stray bullet that struck their home. Other community leaders, like Teena James of Safe in the Six and Patrick Brown of the Southside Hornets Athletic Association, described the normalization of gun violence among young people and the need to reshape the community's image and support systems for youth.

  • On January 30, Mungwa's mother was killed by a stray bullet inside their home.
  • Last week, 15-year-old Prince Washington was killed in a drive-by shooting.
  • On Easter Sunday, 16-year-old Jaydon Jones died in what investigators believe was an accidental shooting by his best friend.

The players

Tracy Carter

Fort Worth Police Officer and Spokesperson who addressed the community meeting and stressed the urgency of addressing youth access to guns.

Mercy Mungwa

A registered nurse and mother whose 66-year-old mother was killed by a stray bullet inside their home on January 30.

Teena James

The founder of Safe in the Six, a community organization, who said the signs of youth gun violence have long been present and that 'our children are constantly warning us that these things are happening.'

Patrick Brown

The head of the Southside Hornets Athletic Association, who described an incident where young people in his community did not react to nearby gunfire, highlighting the normalization of gun violence.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to have to do something. If not, we're going to be in trouble.”

— Tracy Carter, Fort Worth Police Officer and Spokesperson

“Ever since then, our lives have been so sad.”

— Mercy Mungwa, Registered Nurse and Mother

“The Bible says warning comes before destruction; our children are constantly warning us that these things are happening.”

— Teena James, Founder, Safe in the Six

What’s next

The Fort Worth Police Department plans to continue the Beyond the Badge community meetings to foster collaboration between law enforcement, youth organizations, and residents in addressing the rise of gun violence affecting young people.

The takeaway

This community meeting highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive, collaborative approach to address the growing problem of youth gun violence in Fort Worth. By bringing together law enforcement, community groups, and residents, the city is taking steps to reshape the narrative, strengthen support systems for at-risk youth, and prevent further tragedies.