ANCHORAGE, Alaska - TelAve -- Assembly Member George Martinez joined Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case and other community leaders for a panel discussion focused on reducing gun violence and breaking cycles of violence in Anchorage.

The event followed a screening of The Body Politic, a documentary chronicling the leadership of Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and his efforts to confront chronic violence through community-centered solutions. The discussion was presented by the Alaska Chapter of Moms Demand Action and brought together local leaders committed to creating safer communities.

During the panel, Martinez emphasized the importance of investing in prevention, community partnerships, and opportunities for young people before violence occurs.

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"Anchorage should set a bold goal: eliminate all violent deaths of young people under the age of 23," Martinez said. "If we build a city that protects and defends its children, we create the foundation for public safety for everyone. Every young life lost to violence is a call to action for our entire community."

Martinez highlighted the need to leverage Anchorage's existing community assets, including schools, families, faith communities, nonprofits, mentors, and neighborhood organizations, to address the root causes of violence and provide pathways to success for young people.

"Public safety is not only about responding to violence," Martinez added. "It is about preventing violence by creating hope, opportunity, and support systems that help young people thrive."

The panel discussion focused on collaborative strategies that unite law enforcement, community organizations, educators, and residents around a shared vision of safer neighborhoods and stronger communities.