FORT WORTH, Texas — In the wake of a tragic incident that resulted in the fatal shooting of a TCU student in Fort Worth’s West 7th district, local authorities are urgently focusing on safety and security measures in the area. The Fort Worth Police Department is reaching out to businesses in the West 7th entertainment district to discuss strategies to enhance safety and ensure the well-being of residents and visitors.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning when 21-year-old Matthew Purdy shot and killed TCU junior Wes Smith as Smith stood on the sidewalk. Police describe the act as a random act of violence with no clear motive. This senseless act has shocked the community and prompted concerns about the area’s safety.
Emil Bragdon, who owns several bars in the West 7th district, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of a young life and his concern for the safety of his staff and patrons. Prior to this tragic event, there were already ongoing discussions regarding the safety of the West 7th district, drawing comparisons to Dallas’ Deep Ellum and its successful crime reduction plan.
Fort Worth police have been proactive in their efforts to address safety concerns in the area. Over the past year, they have increased staffing on a direct response unit and established a bike patrol team specifically assigned to patrol the district. However, incidents like these pose unique challenges as they occur unexpectedly and escalate rapidly.
Fort Worth Police Department spokesperson Officer Tracy Carter emphasized their commitment to making West 7th a safe place for everyone to enjoy. The police were present in the vicinity at the time of the shooting and responded promptly upon hearing the gunshots. Security camera footage reportedly shows officers arriving within a minute. Police apprehended Purdy, who had allegedly hit a nearby witness with his firearm, in a parking lot not far from the scene.
Everyone involved, from local authorities to business owners, shares the collective goal of preventing such tragedies from happening again. Mayor Mattie Parker expressed her personal connection to the incident, as Smith had been her son’s middle school football coach. She referred to the incident as a tragic setback in their ongoing efforts to improve security.
While Bragdon acknowledged the police’s efforts, he believes that addressing the concentration of bars in the area should be part of the solution. Moody Younger, co-president of Crockett Row, which manages the neighboring strip of bars, echoed this sentiment. Younger highlighted the potential challenges inherent to managing a densely populated entertainment district with numerous bars, suggesting that the number of establishments should be limited to maintain order.
Officer Carter assured that the police would engage with businesses and bars to discuss potential safety solutions, although specific tactics were not disclosed. By working together and fostering strong collaboration, all parties involved hope to create a safer environment where incidents like this become less likely.
The tragedy highlights the unfortunate reality of random acts of violence that can occur anywhere, even in areas considered safe. While efforts are underway to address safety concerns in Fort Worth’s West 7th district, everyone must remain vigilant and prioritize the safety of both residents and visitors.
Fort Worth mourns the loss of Wes Smith, whose promising future was cut short, and communities around the world are reminded of the need for continuous improvement in maintaining safety and security in public spaces. The collective efforts of businesses, local authorities, and the community will be crucial in achieving this shared objective.
