Town of Knightdale issued the following announcement on Oct. 17.
The following is the statement from the Town regarding the violence that occurred in Wake County on October 13.
Knightdale is a special place. We love our residents and the quality of life that we collectively enjoy. Our community has flourished over the last decade. We have also experienced the challenges associated with our growth. As to be expected, our crime rates show some corresponding activity to the rapidly growing Raleigh-metro area. Though, violent crime numbers continue to remain stagnant during this timeframe. Simply put, Knightdale is a happy and safe community until last week’s violence changed our perception in an instant. It has now been several days since our Raleigh and Wake County neighbors endured the unimaginable tragedy that occurred on October 13. The lives of our neighbors in the Hedingham community and those who regularly utilized the Neuse River Greenway were irreparably shattered forever, and in an instant. As a town government, we watched this terror unfold on our front doorstep. As our public safety professionals rushed to provide assistance, it became apparent that Eastern Wake County was enduring an incident that we have never witnessed before. No community should ever have to navigate the horrors of a mass shooting. Perhaps our nation has sadly become accustomed to the senseless violence that plagues our communities. But to us, this wasn’t just “another mass shooting.” The juvenile offender and one of the victims were students at our high school. This act of terror directly touched our students, their families, and the surrounding community. The greater Eastern Wake community has been directly impacted by this tragedy, and it is our responsibility (and privilege) to extend every effort and resource to aid in healing. Please know that the sense of loss is shared deeply by our elected body and town staff.
To the families who have been impacted, Knightdale grieves with you. We extend our deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and to anyone who has been personally affected by this incident. We pledge our full, unwavering support to the City of Raleigh, the Raleigh Police Department, Wake County Public Schools, and the surrounding communities. To our citizens, this heartbreaking violence does not define us. We are—and will always be—undaunted, caring, steadfast, and strong. In unity and with a resolve to protect and serve our community, we will navigate this tragedy. As your town government, we pledge our further commitment to the services needed to protect and improve your lives. Always remember that Knightdale is our community and together we will persevere.
Original source can be found here.
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