A Memphis City Council member wants a curfew in the city “to preserve the safety of all citizens.”
The ask comes from council member JB Smiley in the wake of news that Memphis rapper Young Dolph was shot and killed on Airways Blvd. Wednesday afternoon. Smiley does not detail when the curfew should go into effect nor does he outline the hours the curfew should cover.
Instead, Smiley is vague, not even identifying Dolph as the shooting victim. Instead, he says he’s grieving, fed up with gun violence here, and asks for a curfew to help solve it.
Here’s his statement in full:
“I’m grieving like every other Memphian right now. Yet another tragedy, yet another murder due to senseless gun violence. Today, we lost a very talented Memphian and a star known all across this country.
“To be very honest and transparent, I am growing tired of issuing statements that speak to or highlight crime in our communities. With reports of additional shootings, I know you all will agree that we have had too many gunshots fired. It’s past time for a change. Government cannot do it alone, churches cannot do it alone, communities cannot do it alone, and nonprofits cannot do it alone.
“If the change that I speak of is to ever happen, we will all have to work together collectively to make a difference. Until that change comes, I ask that you exercise care and caution in the days to come. Make smart decisions and be safe.
“I’m hopeful that the city of Memphis will implement a curfew to preserve the safety of all citizens.”
