DALLAS — Just a block away from where four people were killed and more than 15 others were injured in a series of shootings, Deep Ellum residents and community leaders gathered for an open forum, hoping to find answers and discuss what comes next.

The meeting, the second of two listening sessions held in part by the Deep Ellum Foundation, came less than a week after the violence shook the Dallas entertainment district.

For a neighborhood known for its music, nightlife and close-knit community, the shootings have left many asking the same question: What can be done to prevent this from happening again?

“Our hearts are here in Deep Ellum, we are a community, and I think sometimes people don’t really grasp that,” said Veronica Young with the Deep Ellum Foundation.

Young, who has called the neighborhood home for the past six years, said creating space for residents to speak openly was the driving force behind the gathering.

“The listening part is really why we’re doing this and the most important reason why we’re here today,” Young said.

The meeting brought residents together to raise concerns, share perspectives and discuss potential solutions.

The forum comes as two arrests have been made this week in connection with the violence.

Treyveion Demby and David Yancy have both been charged with being felons in possession of a firearm.

Authorities released images they say show Yancy pulling out a handgun, racking a round and then concealing the weapon in his waistband.

Moments later, investigators say, gunfire erupted.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing, with three separate shootings reported in the area early Sunday morning that left four people dead and more than 15 injured.

Jonathan Maples, District 2 commissioner for police oversight, says addressing the violence requires collaboration between residents, community leaders and law enforcement.

“We put our brilliant minds together to figure this out with this community,” Maples said.

Following the shootings, Maples says he plans to remain present in the neighborhood and focus on intervening before situations escalate.

He also emphasized the importance of addressing violence publicly and directly, rather than allowing concerns to go unanswered.

“When violence happens, it has to be addressed immediately, and so you cannot ignore the public because they want to know the who, what, when, where and why, and how we can prevent this from ever happening again,” Maples said.

Local and federal authorities have also vowed to pursue those responsible for the shootings through an initiative they are calling “Operation Deep Cover.”

Meanwhile, conversations about improving safety in Deep Ellum are continuing.

Among the ideas raised during community discussions are possible curfews, gun-free zones, increased surveillance and a greater police presence.

On Friday night, one week after the shootings, the crowds were considerably lesser and law enforcement presence was higher. A number of patrol cars could be seen passing through Deep Ellum streets.

For people like Jonathan Maples, who consistently walks the streets and engages with the youngsters, it’s about visibility and responsibility. Maples says de-escalation can happen with conversation.

“Some of these young men and women, they come from households where there’s no one that looks like me, that’s the most important thing,” Maples said.

Maples would like more men to join him on late night walks on the weekends. “This involves all of us,” he added.

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