BURLINGTON, Vt. - The peaceful image of Burlington, Vermont, has been shattered in recent years as the city grapples with a significant increase in shootings, leaving residents feeling uneasy and city officials scrambling for solutions. Mayor Miro Weinberger, known for addressing various issues such as gun violence, drug addiction, and homelessness, now faces the alarming rise in shootings as a top priority.

In 2023, Burlington witnessed an unprecedented spike in shootings, with 26 incidents reported, compared to just two per year in previous times. This year alone, 16 criminal discharges of gunfire were recorded, resulting in eight individuals being struck by bullets. Tragically, two of the city's three homicides for the year were gun-related incidents.

However, the most recent shooting incident, which occurred shortly after Thanksgiving, garnered widespread attention. Three Palestinian students visiting relatives near the University of Vermont campus were targeted and shot, leaving one student paralyzed. Mayor Weinberger condemned the incident as "one of the most shocking and disturbing events in this city's history," increasing concerns and urgency to combat the growing violence problem.

Police Chief Jon Murad noted the increase in shootings, acknowledging that the city has gone from experiencing only two gunfire incidents per year to a troubling number of 26 in recent times. Despite the formation of the Chittenden County Gun Violence Task Force, a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, the shooting of the college students has been viewed as a setback.

Mayor Weinberger emphasized that Burlington, with a population of 45,000 and home to the University of Vermont, now faces emerging public safety challenges typically associated with larger cities. These include homelessness, untreated mental illness, a worsening addiction crisis exacerbated by fentanyl, and the prevalence of firearms due to lax state gun laws. He stressed the need for a comprehensive, statewide or even nationwide approach to address these issues.

Vermont implemented its first gun control measures in 2018, banning high-capacity magazines, bump stocks, and gun sales to individuals under 21, but it does not require gun owners to be licensed or register their weapons. The Giffords Law Center, which evaluates state gun laws, gave Vermont a C-minus grade. It is noteworthy that the suspect in the shooting of the college students legally purchased the gun used in the attack in a nearby town.

The rise in shootings is believed to be connected to drug-related incidents and the presence of teenagers carrying firearms. The shooting of the three college students is being investigated as a possible hate crime, introducing the disturbing prospect of prejudice playing a role in gun violence in a city known for its tolerance.

Business leaders, particularly those in the Church Street Marketplace, have expressed growing alarm over property crime, public disorder, and the frequent sound of gunfire. Kelly Devine, the executive director of the Burlington Business Association, cited the combination of lax gun laws, addiction issues, mental illness, and lenient judicial practices as factors contributing to the concerning state of public safety. Some residents have opted to do their shopping in suburban communities amid the perception of rising crime in Burlington.

As the police department grappled with the problem, its size underwent changes. Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, the Burlington City Council, dominated by progressives and independents, reduced the police department budget by 30%, resulting in a decrease in officers from 105 to 74. It took Mayor Weinberger over a year to restore much of the lost police funding, and currently, there are 69 officers serving in the city. The decision to cut back on the police force significantly impacted morale and recruitment efforts, with some officers leaving the department.

Mayor Weinberger's efforts to prioritize public safety faced opposition from Progressive Party city councilors who refused to confirm Police Chief Jon Murad for three years and proposed disarming the Burlington police. However, Weinberger prevailed in maintaining the size of the police force and retaining mayoral control over disciplinary measures, with 63% of voters rejecting a proposed charter change for civilian oversight of the police department.

In light of the recent shooting incident involving the Palestinian students, concerns about public safety in Burlington have reached a critical point. The city's reputation for peace and tranquility has been shaken, leading residents and business leaders alike to demand more comprehensive solutions that address the underlying causes of crime while upholding the principles of racial justice and public safety.

It remains to be seen how Burlington will respond to the urgent need for enhanced public safety measures and address the various challenges faced by the community, in hopes of restoring a sense of security in a city that has been deeply affected by the surge in shootings.