ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville police say last weekend’s deadly shooting on Biltmore Avenue was a retaliatory attack tied to a July 5 shooting, marking what investigators describe as the latest episode in an ongoing cycle of violence between two groups of people who know each other.
Speaking during a Thursday news conference, Interim Police Chief Jackie Stepp said investigators have identified several persons of interest but have not announced any arrests in the July 19 shooting, which killed two young men and wounded seven other people.
“This was a direct retaliatory act from the previous July 5 Maple Crest shooting,” Stepp said. “The evidence also strongly illustrates that this case is sadly the latest chapter in an ongoing pattern of retaliatory violence that has been taking place across our community for some time.”
Stepp said detectives are working around the clock, following every lead, reviewing evidence and coordinating with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110 or submit anonymous tips through the department’s Tip2APD app or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
Police stop short of calling it gang violence
When asked whether the violence involved gangs, Stepp declined to use that label.
Instead, she described the suspects as “two groups of individuals” with ongoing ties who have committed retaliatory acts against one another.
“There are ties to them knowing each other and committing ongoing retaliatory acts against one another,” she said.
Stepp also confirmed the July 5 shooting investigation remains active. Police arrested one suspect in that case, but investigators have not explained how the two incidents are connected or whether the victims in Sunday’s shooting were the intended targets.
She declined to discuss additional investigative details, citing the active case.
Police: Illegal Glock switch recovered
Stepp also confirmed investigators recovered a firearm equipped with a “Glock switch,” an illegal conversion device that allows a semiautomatic handgun to fire like a machine gun.
“What a Glock switch does … is it turns your weapon into a rapid-fire, high-capacity weapon, and that’s what we saw here,” Stepp said.
She said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has been involved in the investigation from the beginning.
Mayor: ‘Our community is hurting’
Mayor Esther Manheimer opened the news conference by focusing on the victims and their families.
“Today, our community is hurting,” she said. “Seven people are recovering from serious injuries and two families are grieving the heartbreaking loss of two young men whose lives ended far too soon.”
Manheimer said she could only imagine the pain the families are experiencing.
“Behind every headline are parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, coworkers and loved ones whose lives have been changed forever,” she said.
She said city leaders remain united in supporting the investigation while continuing efforts to address gun violence through partnerships with community organizations and regional agencies.
City manager: Violence prevention requires community effort
City Manager D.K. Wesley said solving violent crime requires more than police investigations.
“Preventing violence requires sustained collaboration across local government, public safety, health care, education, nonprofits, neighborhood leaders, faith leaders and residents,” Wesley said.
She pointed to the Buncombe County Community Safety and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan, adopted in 2023, as the city’s framework for addressing both violent crime and its underlying causes.
Among the efforts already underway, Wesley highlighted Asheville police participation in community violence prevention initiatives and a partnership with Parks & Recreation to conduct crime prevention assessments at city recreation centers.
“Our community deserves to feel safe,” Wesley said. “The city will continue to bring urgency, collaboration and accountability to this work.”
Mayor points to state gun laws
Asked whether the city could pursue additional policies restricting firearms around bars or other venues, Manheimer said North Carolina law leaves municipalities with little authority to regulate where people may carry guns.
She noted that state lawmakers have expanded gun rights in recent years while limiting local governments’ ability to adopt their own restrictions.
“The state of North Carolina has … relaxed gun laws more and more,” Manheimer said. “There are many, many more guns out there than ever before.”
She also criticized legislation approved this year that would allow permitless concealed carry for adults as young as 18, a bill Gov. Josh Stein vetoed.
“As a society we’ve made a decision … that we’re going to allow pretty much anyone and everyone to carry a gun,” Manheimer said. “Personally, I would like to see gun ownership and the ability to carry guns greatly restricted. I don’t think it makes a community safer.”
Police increase security measures
With another busy weekend expected downtown, Stepp said Asheville police are coordinating with community partners and increasing safety measures around anticipated public gatherings.
She would not discuss specific deployment plans but said the department remains focused on preventing additional violence.
Stepp also acknowledged community concerns about the possibility of further retaliation.
“We remain committed,” she said. “We are working around the clock. We will find those responsible for this and hold them fully accountable, and we will not stop until we do.”
Police continue to encourage anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information about those involved to come forward, saying even seemingly minor details could prove critical to the investigation.