Breaking the Silence: A Deeper Look Into Greensboro's Gun Violence Crisis

Greensboro, N.C. – In 2023, Greensboro Police Department responded to 74 homicides, the highest number the city has ever recorded. This peaking number prompted first responders, activists, and violence prevention advocates to take action against Greensboro's gun violence crisis. 

Between 2023 and 2024, homicide locations have spread throughout the city.

A City in Crisis

“I had a gentleman up here that moved up here from Miami because he felt like it was safer and got shot and Greensboro is no longer the safest city by any means,” said Connie Dupont, a nurse at Moses H. Cone Hospital. “It's gotten to be pretty bad.”

Connie Dupont has worked at Moses H. Cone Hospital for 11 years, treating gunshot wound patients almost daily. As a mother of four, she approaches her work with empathy.

“Whether they're right, wrong or indifferent, I treat them like I would want to be treated if I had been shot,” she said.

Although the emotional toll is significant, Dupont perseveres, believing in the impact of her work.

“My faith gets me through this and I know that I'm doing good for people and helping them at hopefully the worst time in their life.”

From January to September 2024, the GPD has responded to 28 homicides, with 27 of those victims suffering gunshot wounds. One homicide victim involved in a stabbing.

Activism and Advocacy

Gun violence has taken many lives in the city of Greensboro, including that of a woman’s 25-year-old son.

“We have the right to bear arms, but we don’t have the right to kill people,” said Irish Spencer.

Spencer was shopping with her husband on Feb. 20, 2016 when Greensboro police called, asking her to return home. Upon her arrival, she received devastating news.

Spencer learned that her son, William McKinley Spencer III, known as Tre, was breaking up a fight between two men when one returned with a gun and shot him several times.

“I blame the person who killed him because he’s alive, serving time," she said. "But my son is gone, and I can’t see him anymore. That’s how FASK came to us."

Spencer founded Families Against Senseless Killings (FASK), an organization that helps families cope with the aftermath of losing loved ones to senseless violence. Since Tre’s death, she has advocated for anti-gun violence initiatives in the Triad.

This year, most shootings in Greensboro occur in public visible areas, including parking lots, streets, sidewalks and community centers.

Preventing Violence

Arthur Durham serves as the violence prevention coordinator for the city of Greensboro, where he leads efforts in violence prevention programs.

“I’m going to lead by example, and I’ll be out there with you,” Durham said. “I’m going to walk the canvases with you, no matter how dangerous it is.”

Durham credits his work to his upbringing.

“I’ve been through everything. I’ve been shot. I’ve been busted upside the head,” he said.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Durham faced violence from gangs, guns and drugs. He spent time in a juvenile detention center as a teenager. Now, he works to keep youth out of the criminal justice system.

So far this year, the number of homicides in Greensboro are down nearly 50% from the previous year. In both years, 2023 and 2024, the majority of primary suspects are in the age range of 19 to 25 years old. 

“This is intense, this work to meet young men in the street, young ladies try to show them how to navigate through life outside of their condition,” Durham said.

Greensboro grapples with its gun violence crisis as healthcare workers, activists, and community leaders unite to highlight the urgent need for change and healing in the city.