Asheville Pastor Blames City Leaders for Downplaying Gang Violence Amid Crime Concerns

An Asheville pastor who previously had gang ties is criticizing the city's handling of a youth gang-prevention program, saying it ignored his decade-long push for the initiative before recent violence raised concerns. The pastor claims that city leaders have been 'whitewashing' the issue and downplaying its severity. He asserts that this response has undermined trust among residents and failed to address the root causes of crime in the area. The pastor's comments come as Asheville grapples with a surge in violent crimes.