Gun violence awareness day event connects and informs youth on consequences of firearm crimes

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah police hosted an “End the Gun Violence” event aimed at showing the consequences of gun crime.

Police Chief Lenny Gunther said the event serves a dual purpose.

“It’s two pronged,” Gunther said. “It’s awareness, and also a bit of fun to let our community, our youth know that they have a whole team behind them to help them make the right decisions.”

The event featured a casket on one side and kids playing on the other, illustrating the stark choices young people face.

This event also works to build a relationship between police officers and the community.

“As law enforcement officials and cops in uniform we relish in these opportunities,” Gunther said.

The event was held by the Savannah Impact Program, which works to build relationships with residents beyond traditional policing.

“The police officers are not just ’12′, they’re people, they’re humans they’re fathers they’re mothers, they’re sisters and brothers,“ said Savannah Impact Program director LaToyia Daniels. ”So they get to build that trust, and that’s what we’re doing today."

Daniels said events like this help prevent future gun violence by creating dialogue between law enforcement and kids early on.

“We want them to engage the police and know what it is they want to say to them besides thinking that all they do is arrest,” Daniels said.

Gunther said he sees the future when he looks at the kids at events like this.

“And it’s our job — not only as police officers or the government — but as a community, to make sure they have the opportunity to be great,” Gunther said.

According to Savannah Police Department records, Savannah has had 11 homicides in 2026. At this time last year, that number was 13, and was at 14 in 2024. Aggravated assaults involving a gun are also down by double digits from the last two years.

The event is part of the Impact Program’s larger mission of youth mentorship and community engagement.