ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Federal officials are highlighting coordinated efforts to address violent crime in Asheville following renewed public attention on the city’s safety issues.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson met last week with federal law enforcement partners, local agencies, community leaders and public housing representatives to discuss strategies aimed at reducing violence and disrupting gang activity.

In statements posted May 1, Ferguson said violence “steals futures,” particularly when young people are drawn into gangs seeking connection or protection. He said the goal is to “disrupt gang activity, reduce violent crime and give young people a different path forward.”

The office also said Ferguson convened a broader meeting that included multiple federal agencies, the Asheville Police Department, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, community organizations and housing representatives. Officials described a troubling increase in violent crime and emphasized the need for continued collaboration.

“The recent spike in violent crime in Asheville is troubling, but everyone in the room is committed to working together to solve the problem,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson also spoke at a symposium on youth violence and emerging gang activity hosted by the North Carolina Gang Investigators Association, Vaya Health and UNC Asheville. In recorded remarks, he said he heard from individuals with lived experience in public housing who became involved in gangs and later served prison time.

“I heard from people who grew up in public housing in Asheville, joined gangs and served prison time,” he said, describing discussions about breaking the cycle of violence and preventing youth recruitment.

He added that young people often turn to gangs seeking protection or belonging, but instead encounter violence, addiction and long-term consequences.

Ferguson said a separate afternoon meeting focused on coordination between agencies.

“We’re going to talk about how to reduce violent crime in Asheville,” he said. “We think that if we just have a targeted effort, we work together with that spirit of partnership, we can get some bad guys off the street, make a real difference and make Asheville a great community it’s always been.”

While federal officials are emphasizing concerns about violence, local data shows a mixed picture. Violent crime, homicides and traffic deaths all declined in Asheville in 2025, according to year-end figures released by the Asheville Police Department. Property crime, however, saw a modest increase during the same period.

Asheville Police Department spokesperson Rick Rice deferred additional comment to federal officials. Efforts to reach the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville were unsuccessful.

Officials said coordination between federal, state and local agencies will continue as part of ongoing efforts to address crime and prevention strategies in the city.