North Charleston Police Chief Ron Camacho highlighted a recent intervention where officers saved a life amid a wave of gun violence, including the fatal shooting of 4-year-old Merci Watson and other incidents over a 36-hour period. This positive outcome contrasts with ongoing tragedies like shootings at Kilnsea Village Apartments and near Elder Avenue.​
Suicide Prevention Efforts
Mental health advocates, including Laura Moss from NAMI South Carolina, emphasize physical barriers like jump guards on overpasses to delay attempts and allow response time. The Ashley Phosphate Road overpass received such a barrier earlier in 2025 after two suicides, funded by a $125,000 SCDOT grant, while the new Weber Interchange includes one by design.​​
Push for 988 Signage
NAMI pushes for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline signage on bridges statewide to remind those in crisis of available 24/7 support via call or text. South Carolina’s two call centers handle rising demand with an 86% answer rate, open even for non-emergency talks or concerns about others.​
Community Response
Local leaders and groups like Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy urge processing the emotional impact through prayer, silence, or reaching out to loved ones. Given your interest in Lowcountry safety and events, peace walks have followed recent violence, fostering community unity.
