To the editor,

Over the past several days, our community has experienced a series of deeply concerning shootings. All of these incidents have negatively impacted the lives of those involved. One of these senseless acts of violence has caused a person’s life to be altered forever due to serious injury. Each of these shootings involved individuals who knew one another and were involved in disputes that escalated to gunfire. These were not random acts. They were preventable, unnecessary, and unacceptable.

Each of us plays a role in the safety of our community. Let’s find a better way to resolve conflicts than picking up a firearm. Pulling a trigger does not solve problems; it only creates new ones—grief, trauma, and consequences that ripple far beyond the moment a shot is fired. Choose the giving of grace to one another over the potential tragedy related to gunfire.

We have resources in place to help resolve disputes before they spiral out of control. Whether it’s through mediation services, mental health support, school counselors, community outreach programs, police department resources, or simply the peaceful intervention of a trusted friend or family member, there are better options than violence.

I have long been an advocate of responsible gun ownership, but please also allow me to be clear: those who choose to use firearms to settle personal grievances will be held accountable. Arrests have already been made in these recent cases, and we will continue to work relentlessly to ensure that anyone who endangers our neighborhoods with reckless and violent behavior is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Maricopa is a strong, proud, and growing city. As a resident of this community, I am saddened by these incidents. The Maricopa I love responds to conflict through civility, not violence. As your police chief I will continue to tirelessly be a guardian of our community. I have seen firsthand that we are a community that believes in protecting one another, not hurting one another. Let’s stand together and choose civility over violence. Let’s honor our proud history and bright future. Let’s end these incidents before more tragedy strikes.

As we go about our daily lives, let’s choose kindness, extend grace, and remember that we are all part of the same community – stronger, safer, and better when we care for one another.

Chief Mark Goodman, Maricopa Police Department