The heartache and fear I feel for Asheville is indescribable. Watching as our beloved community suffers from increasing crime rates, exacerbated by gang violence and gun-related incidents, is a nightmare I never wanted to witness. The tragic and terrifying events of the recent Asheville mass shooting left our town shaken and insecure. It is heart-wrenching, but sadly, it didn't feel like an isolated event in terms of our safety concerns.

Jacquelyn “Jackie” Stepp, as the interim police chief, had a responsibility to protect our community and address these growing threats head-on. Unfortunately, her response to the mass shooting demonstrated a lack of urgency and competence that cannot be overlooked. Asheville needs dedicated and effective leadership to tackle the core issues of gang activity and gun crime.

Her continued tenure has left residents like me questioning whether law enforcement truly prioritizes our safety or if leadership is sending a message of leniency to those who would harm our community. The statistics are alarming: reports of gun-related violence and gang activity in Asheville have seen a drastic increase over the past year. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Asheville's violent crime rate has risen notably - a trend that only amplifies the urgency for decisive, informed, and effective policing.

We deserve a police chief who recognizes the magnitude of these issues and has a clear, strategic plan to combat them. Tackling this problem requires strong leadership, transparency, and collaboration with local organizations and community leaders to implement programs focused on crime prevention and intervention.

I'm calling for immediate action – the removal of Jacquelyn Stepp from her position as interim police chief. We need a leader committed to restoring safety, rebuilding trust with the community, and implementing strategies that genuinely address the root causes of violence in our city. Sign this petition to demand a change in leadership for the Asheville Police Department. Your signature could help save our community from further devastation.