Waterbury Leaders Urged to Act as Gunfire Strikes Again

D.M.Livingston|Published May 30, 2024

Updated Nov 25, 2025 3:51PM

Waterbury, CT — In recent weeks, Waterbury has been shaken by an alarming surge of gunfire across the city. The violence escalated yet again when a man was shot in the back on Oakville Avenue. As the victim lay conscious but wounded beneath a tree, the gunman fled the scene with a .45 black pistol fitted with an extended magazine.

This pattern of shootings has pushed the community to a breaking point. Frustration, fear, and anger are building — and residents are demanding urgent leadership.

The persistent gun violence now requires immediate, visible action from the city’s highest officials. Waterbury residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their streets, and in their neighborhoods. The frequency and boldness of these attacks signal a crisis that can no longer be met with routine responses or delayed solutions.

We are calling on Chief of Police Fernando Spagnola and Mayor Paul Pernerewski to address the public directly — not with general statements, but with a clear and concrete plan to confront this violence head-on. The community needs transparency, accountability, and assurance that every possible measure is being taken to restore order and prevent further harm.

A Call for Accountability and Action

Chief Spagnola and Mayor Pernerewski, the people of Waterbury are looking to you for leadership. These shootings are not abstract crime statistics — they’re lived trauma, experienced daily by families, children, and entire neighborhoods. Fear is rising. Trust is eroding. People want to know that their leaders are fully engaged, fully aware, and fully committed to the safety of this city.

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By speaking out decisively and outlining an aggressive, unified response, city leadership can begin to restore confidence and stability. Waterbury needs a plan. Waterbury needs reassurance. And above all, Waterbury needs action.

The time to address this crisis is now.

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