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DANVILLE, Ill. (WAND) — Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. released a statement Sunday addressing violence in the city after three shootings lead to a death and several injuries over the last three days.

In all, one person was killed and six people were hurt in the shootings over the weekend, including several people under the age of 18.

Williams said the city is "responding with urgency," and the Danville Police Department is actively investigating each of the incidents and increasing presence in key areas.

"Let me be clear," Williams said. "This kind of violence is unacceptable, and we will not allow it to define our city."

According to Williams, Danville has made measurable progress in reducing violent crime over the past several years through coordinated work between the police department, community partners and residents.

"We have to be honest about something deeper that no police response alone can fix. This is not just a policing issue — it's a standards issue," he said. "What we tolerate, we get more of. Public safety stats long before a crime is committed. It starts in our homes — with what is taught, what is allowed, and what is corrected. Respect for others, respect for life, and respect for this community are not optional values — they are expected. When those expectations are not set or not enforced, the consequences show up on our streets."

Williams emphasized that the violence is not a result of lack of economic opportunity or things to do in Danville.

"As a city, we will continue to enforce the law aggressively and consistently. At the same time, we will keep investing in prevention, partnerships, and opportunities that help reduce violence," Williams said. "Prevention and accountability must go hand in hand."

Williams is urging anyone with information related to any of the incidents to come forward. 

"Danville is a resilient city. We have faced challenges before, and we will meet this moment together — with clarity, accountability, and action, and with a shared commitment to keeping our community safe," Williams said. "We will not accept this as normal, and we will not lower our standards — because the future of this community depends on what we demand from ourselves today." 

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