ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk released a statement Sunday following a deadly shooting Saturday night that left a young member of the community dead.
In the statement, Tuerk said the victim was a boy under the age of 18, calling the incident a heartbreaking tragedy for the city and the victim’s family.
“Along with the rest of the Allentown community, Mayor Tuerk last night became aware of the tragic incident in which a young member of this community was a victim of gun violence,” the statement said.
The mayor noted that the investigation remains active and that limited information is currently available to the public.
Tuerk also highlighted concerns over youth access to firearms, stating that too many guns are finding their way into the hands of young people.
“This was a person not even 18 years old… a boy… a child… who had his whole life ahead of him,” the statement continued.
The mayor referenced another recent fatal shooting involving a young person in Allentown, saying the city must do more to prevent such tragedies.
Saturday night saw multiple shooting incidents reported throughout the city, including emergency responses on North Kearney Street and East Gordon Street. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the victim or announced any arrests connected to the homicide.
City officials, members of City Council, and community leaders extended their condolences to the victim’s family and all those affected by gun violence.
The investigation remains ongoing.
