In response to a violent holiday weekend in Detroit that saw over two dozen people shot and three fatalities, Mayor Mike Duggan has announced new measures aimed at curbing the violence associated with illegal block parties. These parties were identified as the source of nearly 30 non-fatal shootings during the first week of July.

During a press conference, Chief James White revealed that an unsanctioned block party held on the city's east side was the epicenter of the majority of the shootings. A total of 21 people were injured and two lost their lives in what White described as a "shootout." Detroit police responded to a total of six illegal parties over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, resulting in a shocking 27 shootings and three deaths.

To address the issue, the Detroit Police Department is implementing several changes. Firstly, all 911 calls regarding illegal parties will now be treated as priority one calls, giving them increased urgency and attention. Previously, these calls were deemed priority three.

Additionally, the department plans to enhance neighborhood policing efforts and foster better communication with community groups dedicated to reducing violence in Detroit's most afflicted areas. Mayor Duggan stressed that the city will not allow its residents to become hostages in their own homes.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, who also attended the press conference, declined to provide specifics about the ongoing investigation into the block party shooting. She noted that a thorough probe would take time, given the abundance of evidence to examine. More details about the case are expected to be revealed later in the week.

The violence that unfolded during the weekend has left many questions unanswered. Among the 21 victims, 15 were female and six were male, ranging in age from 17 to 27 years old. Disturbingly, 40% of those injured came from outside of Detroit, including individuals from Warren, Southfield, Taylor, Oak Park, Clinton Township, Eastpointe, and St. Clair Shores. The gathering drew around 300 attendees, some from as far as northern Ohio.

Chief White emphasized that these were not typical barbecues and warned about the lawlessness observed at these events. He revealed that the parties were organized without permits or street closures, with promotion primarily occurring through social media platforms. Many attendees were armed, leading to a sense of lawlessness and danger.

As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. However, police are actively investigating and have recovered numerous shell casings and weapons at the scene.

Moving forward, the Detroit Police Department aims to deploy more officers to patrol neighborhoods and monitor any unsanctioned or suspicious activities. The implementation of these measures aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The city and its residents hope that the newly implemented strategies will help bring an end to the violence that has plagued these illegal block parties and restore a sense of safety and security to the community.