SC lawmakers launch committee to address rise in youth violence

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – South Carolina lawmakers are taking a closer look at the growing concern over violence among minors.

This week, Speaker of the House Murrell Smith (R-Sumter) announced the formation of a new committee focused on understanding how to better protect young people.

State officials said that while overall youth crime is down, violent incidents and gun-related charges among minors are on the rise. The newly formed House Juvenile Crime Assessment and Strategic Reform Committee will study what’s behind the increase and recommend ways to prevent violence.

“When we’re seeing young people, who can’t go to events safely and enjoy them without the fear of being shot, we know that’s a problem,” said State Representative Kambrell Garvin (D – Richland), who is a member of the committee.

According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the number of minors charged with weapon law violations nearly doubled from 1,008 in 2022 to 1,964 in 2023.

At the same time, several major violent crime categories in South Carolina, including murder, sexual battery, robbery, and aggravated assault, declined statewide between 2022 and 2023.

SLED’s most recent 2024 Child Fatalities Report also found more than 300 child deaths in South Carolina last year, with 62 aggravated assault cases involving minors linked to gangs.

Marcelo Lambert, a mentor with Big Homie Lil Homie, an organization dedicated to guiding at-risk boys, said emotional health plays a major role in preventing youth violence.

“Permanent decisions based on temporary feelings, and emotional resilience is really like the key to just having a well-balanced life,” Lambert said.

He also believes social media and access to unsecured firearms contribute to the problem.

“I think social media, something new; we’re now realizing the detriment that it’s had,” he added.

Rep. Garvin said the committee is on a tight timeline to gather data, hold hearings, and develop recommendations before the next legislative session.

“We will probably be meeting pretty regularly, until January, but is it is my understanding that our committee has been given a short window to really kind of hit this problem, research it, come up with some solutions,” he said.

The committee plans to hear from law enforcement, youth advocates, and community mentors in the coming months.

The first meeting is scheduled for next week.