Officials call for proactive approach after string of Denver shootings

Driving the news: The incidents are not connected, and there's no indication of gang activity or retaliatory violence, police Chief Ron Thomas said. Most appear to have stemmed from isolated confrontations, though Thomas called at least one "random."

• Thomas was among the speakers at a panel convened by Colorado Black Round Table founder John Bailey on Saturday to discuss possible solutions.

State of play: Panelists pointed to a common focus — keeping young people engaged and supported before conflicts escalate.

• They called for more investment in summer programs that keep young people busy, from jobs to intervention and recreation.
• Bailey urged local philanthropic groups to increase funding for youth development, especially if public dollars aren't available in a tight budget year.
• Councilmember Darrell Watson noted that programs for young people should be consistently available, not just in response to violence.

Context: Some of last month's homicide suspects were ages 18–24, Thomas said, adding that improving conflict resolution among young people could help prevent future violence.

What they're saying: "These are not thugs, and these are not criminals. These are young folks in our community who are having a difficult, difficult time," Bailey said Saturday, adding that mental health concerns are another factor.

• Social media's effect on young people's mental health must be addressed, local violence intervention specialist Jason McBride said.

The bottom line: Denver recorded one of the steepest homicide drops among major U.S. cities last year, but the sudden uptick in violence is putting new pressure on leaders to prevent a more violent summer.