A downtown shooting in Asheville, North Carolina, killed two people and wounded seven others in the early hours of July 19. Police said the attack was a direct retaliation linked to an earlier July 5 shooting, but officials have declined to describe it as traditional gang violence. The incident has intensified debate over public safety, gun access and violence-prevention efforts in the Blue Ridge tourist town.
Investigators continue to identify and interview people connected to the case while coordinating with local, state and federal agencies. Authorities have asked the public to provide information as they review evidence and prepare for upcoming events and large gatherings.
| 1) | Deadly gunfire near downtown businesses |
| 2) | Police link shooting to earlier retaliation |
| 3) | Officials avoid a traditional gang classification |
| 4) | City debates prevention and gun access |
| 5) | Investigation and public assistance remain active |
Deadly gunfire near downtown businesses
Officers with the Asheville Police Department responded at about 2:20 a.m. on July 19 to gunfire near Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue, an area close to downtown businesses and nightlife. They found multiple people with gunshot wounds and a large crime scene containing numerous shell casings.
Two victims died at the scene despite life-saving efforts. Seven other people were transported to Mission Hospital for treatment. The shooting occurred in a central part of Asheville, a mountain tourism destination in Buncombe County, raising concern about violence near commercial and entertainment areas.
Police link shooting to earlier retaliation
Police initially said the evidence indicated a possible connection to another gun violence incident. At a July 24 community briefing, Interim Police Chief Jackie Stepp said investigators had concluded that the July 19 shooting was a direct retaliatory act tied to a July 5 shooting at an apartment complex.
One person was shot in the earlier incident, and police made an arrest in that case. Stepp described the fatal attack as the “latest chapter” in an ongoing pattern of retaliatory violence across the city. Investigators have not publicly detailed the precise relationship between the two shootings or said whether the people killed were intended targets.
Officials avoid a traditional gang classification
When asked whether the people involved belonged to rival gangs or families, Stepp declined to label the violence gang-related. She said the individuals were part of “two groups of individuals” who knew one another and had engaged in ongoing retaliatory acts.
“These are two groups of individuals,” Stepp said.
Stepp later acknowledged that gang activity exists in Asheville but maintained that the recent shootings did not represent traditional gang activity. Police have identified several persons of interest in the downtown case and are working to locate and interview them while withholding further details because the investigation remains active.
City debates prevention and gun access
The classification of the violence prompted questions at the community briefing from a local pastor who identified himself as a gang-prevention facilitator. He told Mayor Esther Manheimer that he had offered the city a prevention program since 2016 and asked why it had not been considered.
Esther Manheimer said she had recently seen his email and was interested in learning more. She pointed to Buncombe County’s community safety and violence-prevention plan, along with existing city partnerships, and said officials were open to additional ideas that could expand and improve the response to community violence.
Manheimer also argued that loosened state gun laws and limits on local gun regulations have made it more difficult for cities to address gun violence. She said businesses have a growing responsibility to prevent firearms from entering their establishments, noting that some disputes escalate after a person retrieves a weapon from a vehicle.
Investigation and public assistance remain active
Stepp confirmed that investigators recovered a Glock switch during the broader evidence review after being asked about prior reporting. She did not specify whether the device came from the shooting scene, a vehicle, a suspect or another piece of evidence.
The police department is coordinating with local, state and federal partners as detectives examine the case and monitor upcoming events and large gatherings. Anyone with information can call 828-252-1110, submit an anonymous tip through the TIP2APD app or text TIP2APD to 847411.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two people died and seven were hospitalized after the July 19 shooting. |
| 2 | Police identified the attack as retaliation linked to a July 5 shooting. |
| 3 | Officials said the violence was not traditional gang activity. |
| 4 | Investigators recovered numerous shell casings and a Glock switch. |
| 5 | Police continue seeking information from the public. |
Summary
The Asheville shooting was deadly, occurred near downtown nightlife and was described by police as a retaliatory attack connected to earlier violence. Officials have avoided applying a traditional gang label while acknowledging ties between two groups involved in ongoing retaliation. The investigation, public-safety planning and debate over gun access and prevention programs remain ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Asheville shooting occur?
The shooting occurred at about 2:20 a.m. on July 19 near Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville.
How many people were affected?
Two people died at the scene and seven others were taken to Mission Hospital after suffering gunshot wounds.
Did police classify the shooting as gang-related?
No. Police said the attack involved two connected groups engaged in retaliation but described it as not traditional gang activity.
How can the public help investigators?
Information can be provided by calling 828-252-1110, using the TIP2APD app or texting TIP2APD to 847411.
