‘Change is long overdue': Urbana Police Chief calls for end to gun violence in the community
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Urbana Chief of Police is pleading for action — and asking for the community to support policy changes that could reduce gun violence after three people were killed in shootings over the weekend.
In a letter addressed to the Urbana community Tuesday morning, Chief Larry Boone said that for months, the police department has collected data, spoken out and urged action to prevent firearm related deaths. But, despite their efforts, Boone said they were met with 'skepticism and accusations.'
'I know he's not coming back'; Family mourns for 7-year-old gun violence victim
Boone said that when he introduced initiatives like gun mapping, which highlights the link between firearms and domestic violence, he was told he was 'instilling fear' or that he was 'exaggerating the problem.'
Now, he said that those who dismissed these concerns must realize that the risk is real.
Over the weekend, three people died in gun-related incidents. On Friday, 18-year-old Sherman McCraney Jr. was shot and killed. On Saturday, 7-year-old DJ Wicks and 43-year-old Melvin Braxton both died after a shooting incident.
Boone said this tragedy could have been avoided, and that it serves as a reminder of the domestic violence crisis Urbana is facing.
He said the community cannot wait to act until another tragedy strikes, and that gathering data now would help the police identify patterns and implement solutions that can save lives.
SEE ALSO: Urbana Police address staff retention issues, surveillance tech
Boone said there is a need for policy changes, better protections for survivors and a review of how they respond to domestic violence and firearm access. He also said the community needs to support initiatives in place, work to improve them and build a better community for all.
In my 30-plus-year career, I have witnessed—directly or indirectly—the loss of nearly 1,000 African American lives to gun violence. As an African American police chief, and as someone who grew up in a community where violence was all too common, I understand the pain behind these tragedies. However, I am no longer moved by the familiar refrain of 'Now is not the time,' because the time for change is long overdue.
Chief Larry Boone
On behalf of the police department, Boone extended condolences to the families affected by the violence.
'We stand with you in grief, and we remain committed to doing the work necessary to prevent further loss,' Boone said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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