In response to the recent shooting incident involving 13-year-old Nyah Mway, Mayor Michael Galime of Utica organized a community meeting at Tabernacle Baptist Church. The gathering aimed to provide a platform for the members of the Karen community to express their concerns and pose questions to the mayor.

Mayor Galime expressed his desire to connect with the community and gain a better understanding of their emotions and perspectives. He acknowledged the need for action but also recognized that immediate changes may not be feasible. Lupway Doh, a Karen community leader, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for patience while acknowledging the community's desire for swift change.

The mayor stated that receiving criticism and understanding the community's demands could significantly assist the city and the police department in better serving the community. He acknowledged the inevitability of criticism, particularly in situations involving disputed police actions. Mayor Galime stressed the importance of critically evaluating oneself to ensure nothing is being overlooked, even if one may not believe the criticism to be true.

During the meeting, the mayor highlighted the ongoing issue of youth gun violence in the city, referring to it as an "epidemic." He emphasized the need to diligently work towards removing guns from the hands of children on a daily basis. While the shooting incident is set to be investigated by the Attorney General's office, Mayor Galime drew attention to the fact that this tragedy is not isolated, as two other deaths earlier this year were also attributed to children carrying firearms.

The mayor's message to the community was clear – solving the problem of youth gun violence required a sustained effort and a multi-faceted approach. While the current incident is subject to investigation, it also served as a reminder of the broader issue that needs attention. Mayor Galime called for a conversation about addressing this problem in the future, underscoring the importance of finding long-term solutions.

The community meeting provided a platform for dialogue between Mayor Galime and the Karen community, enabling the sharing of concerns and a better understanding of each other's perspectives. It served as a crucial step in fostering collaboration and working towards a safer and more inclusive Utica.

As the investigation unfolds, the community and city officials have embarked on a journey to address the underlying issues contributing to youth gun violence, with the ultimate goal of preventing such tragic incidents in the future.