Outcry For 'Comprehensive' Reform After Latest Norristown Tragedy

NORRISTOWN, PA — Residents and community leaders are calling for urgent change in Norristown after another incident of youth violence wracked the region on Wednesday night.

A 15-year-old high school student was shot and killed on Haws Alley. A 16-year-old, Alex Herrera, has been arrested and charged with first degree murder.

Police say two groups of teens had tried to meet at multiple locations to fight before the shooting.

State Rep. Greg Scott called on Norristown Municipal Council and the Norristown Police Department to convene a community meeting, inviting government officials, clergy, teachers, residents, and community groups, to address "comprehensive" reform.

“The young people of Norristown deserve leaders who are urgently focused on developing and implementing real solutions," Scott said Thursday. "Far too many young lives have been lost, and we cannot allow this level of violence to become accepted as normal."

Municipal council did not say if they were planning a meeting. In a statement Friday, they condemned "yet another senseless act of violence among our youth."

"Public safety is a top priority of council, and we will continue to ensure we have all the support we need to keep Norristown safe," the council shared.

Scott specifically called for efforts on workforce development, youth mentorship, recreation programs, mental healthy resources, and violence intervention programs.

“There is no single solution to youth violence, but there is one thing we know for certain, doing nothing is not an option, "Scott added. "The time for conversations without action has passed. Our community deserves urgency."

The incident Wednesday is just the latest in a long string of violence plaguing Norristown area youths.

A 19-year-old rising basketball star was shot and killed last November. A 20-year-old, 18-year-old, and 17-year-old were later arrested. A January shooting left a 21-year-old woman paralyzed, with a pair of 18-year-olds charged. Three teens were also arrested last summer in what police called gang-related killing.