Orlando Police respond to large spike in shootings compared to last year

ORLANDO, Fla. — So far this year, there have been about 150 more shootings in Orlando than in all of 2019.

Data shows the coronavirus shutdown and a national cry to stop systemic racism could be at least partly to blame.

Read: Man accused of killing roommate at Orlando apartment complex, police say

Officers and deputies said it’s because the climate in the country has law enforcement cutting down on proactive policing.

Barbara Tommey was shot on her way into work Tuesday morning. Her estranged husband was arrested for her murder.

Watch: Man charged with first-degree murder after shooting wife outside Orlando credit union where she worked, police say

It was just one of the latest shootings in Orlando.

Channel 9 has covered shootings on Orange Center Drive, Willie Mays Parkway and Silver Star Road in just the last 30 days.

Orlando has already reported 293 shootings this year. There were 148 shootings at this time last year.

Police said this is what cities across the country are dealing with.

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Cities like Chicago, New York and Philadelphia said they had a very violent summer.

The increases coincide with the end of pandemic-related shutdowns, mass unemployment due to the pandemic, protests condemning police violence and the summer, when crime annually increases.

Right now, it’s not clear when the spike will end.

Here is a statement from the Orlando Police Department:

A disturbing national trend is also being experienced in the City of Orlando. Shooting incidents are on the rise. Although overall crime rate is down, shootings in large urban areas are on the rise.

The Orlando Police Department seizes hundreds of illegal guns each year. OPD also continues to build and maintain critical neighborhood relationships that, with buy-in from community partners, can reduce gun violence, and even prevent it outright.

Cox Media Group