WDRB: Former Louisville gang member says social media fueling violence on the streets

Dozens of gunshots were fired during the violence that erupted outside several Louisville nightspots on Baxter Avenue in the early morning hours of Aug. 11, 2024. Two people died, and another person was hospitalized.

But they weren't the only victims: A WDRB viewer shared photos of their car that was struck by the gunfire. The pictures show several large bullet holes in the car. One bullet struck the front seat, just inches from where the driver was sitting. Another photo shows a purse with a bullet hole.

The images are a gruesome depiction of the violent scene that unfolded early Sunday morning -- a scene that has played out all too often in the Highlands in recent months. Recordings of transmissions from police to dispatchers also showed the challenges outnumbered LMPD officers faced as they tried to secure the scene.

Outnumbered LMPD officers at the scene of a triple shooting in the Highlands called for backup as they worked to secure the area.

Some community leaders believe the violent incidents are gang-related.

Former gang member Demetrius McDowell is hip to the culture of the streets. He told WDRB the conflicts often begin online." So this is an ongoing issue we are having with social media where those tensions grow by each and every comment," McDowell said.

He said social media has become the new place where young people not only meet, but also air their beefs.

"Back in the day you would see a group of individuals standing out on the corner, "McDowell said. "You don't see that a lot anymore."

McDowell said that's because Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram are the new virtual block. The platforms are providing the digital space to freely share what's on their mind, no matter how brazen.

"People aren't getting killed for what they've done," McDowell said. "They're getting killed for what they said."

People also often post what they're planning to do or where they're planning to be on any given night, making them an easy target.

"We post so much on social media about where we're going, what we're doing, what's the event -- and rivals are waiting." When the shooting begins, innocent people can end up in the crossfire. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said his office is trying to prevent the violence with its Group Violence Intervention program, and issued the following statement:

The Greenberg Administration is taking significant action to make Louisville safer by investing in the resources needed to address violent crime and protect more lives. From proposing pay raises to attract and retain more qualified police officers to implementing new license plate readers and MetroWatch Cameras, we are taking the urgent steps needed to prioritize public safety.

Finally, we continue to push for changes to state law that will give Louisville the autonomy to crack down on illegal guns. We were encouraged by the most recent legislative session, where the General Assembly created a new path to destroy guns that are used in violent crimes. We are hopeful more progress can be made in the future.

McDowell said people like him who have rehabilitated themselves are the most effective at intervening before violence spills onto the streets.

"We can turn those individuals into credible messengers and mentors," McDowell said.