UVA to hold town hall on gun violence, public safety

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- A virtual town hall will be taking place on Tuesday regarding gun violence and public safety around the University of Virginia.
UVA President Jim Ryan and other UVA leaders will hold the town hall at 1 p.m. Tuesday in order to address concerns about the violence and to provide information about efforts on Grounds and around Charlottesville to keep the community safe.
According to a release, UVA Police Chief Tim Longo, UVA COO Jennifer Wagner Davis and Chief Student Affairs Office Robyn Hadley will join Ryan during the town hall.
After these people speak, the panel will work on answering questions submitted by viewers.
In recent months, there has been an increase in gun violence on and near Grounds, including an incident from March 18 during which a contractor for UVA died after being shot in a late-night shooting on Elliewood Avenue. A person has been arrested in connection with this incident.
The release says university leaders have been taking steps to better understand the root causes of gun violence in the area and to develop responses enhancing security.
They are also working to position UVA and its public safety partners in Charlottesville and Albemarle County so that long-term solutions can be found.
There has been an increased police presence on and near Grounds and the UVA Police Department is working with the Charlottesville Police Department in areas where the two share jurisdiction.
The presence of unarmed guards affiliated with the Ambassador Program has also been extended.
To register for the town hall, click here.