WINSTON-SALEM, NC – Following a tumultuous Fourth of July, local law enforcement and community leaders are urging parents to take responsibility for their children’s actions. The call to action comes in the wake of two separate shootings in the triad area, one in Winston-Salem and another in Greensboro, which sent crowds scrambling for safety during the holiday celebrations.
In Greensboro, chaos erupted at Center City Park when gunfire broke out amid the festivities. Eyewitness footage captures hundreds fleeing the scene as first responders rushed to aid two victims. Both individuals were hospitalized, with one suffering life-threatening injuries. Stephen Matthews, a father of three teenagers caught in the crossfire, recounted his fear and determination to ensure his children’s safety. “I walked against the crowd with a purpose,” Matthews said, describing his urgent journey downtown.
Matthews, who also leads the local youth organization Punch for Pound, expressed deep concern for the victims and the emotional impact on his own family. “We’re having important conversations at home about what happened and how everyone is feeling,” he shared, emphasizing the need for emotional support after such traumatic events.
Meanwhile, in Winston-Salem, another shooting unfolded in the parking lot of Truist Park. A 16-year-old suspect has been apprehended and is currently in a juvenile detention facility. Police believe this incident was targeted, but details remain scarce.
Reacting to the violence, Winston-Salem Police Chief William Penn Jr. issued a strong statement directed at parents. “I am tired of events ending in violence,” Penn remarked, calling on parents to actively engage in their children’s lives and prevent further disruptions in the community.
As investigations continue, authorities have yet to release any suspect information related to the Greensboro shooting. The incidents have sparked a broader conversation about community safety and parental responsibility, with leaders urging vigilance and proactive involvement from families.
The holiday shootings have left a mark on the triad area, prompting both reflection and a renewed focus on preventing future violence. Local officials and residents alike are calling for unity and action to reclaim their communities from the grip of fear and chaos.