Edwin Peacock Charlotte City Council At-Large

This morning, our local elected bodies released a joint public statement about potential federal immigration activity in Charlotte.

I want to share that full statement below so you can read it for yourself — and also share my perspective as one of your City Council members.

Here’s where I stand:

We can show compassion for our immigrant friends and neighbors while also being honest that compassion and enforcement are not in conflict.

When someone is here unlawfully, they’re operating outside the law. That doesn’t make them villains.

It also doesn’t mean we pretend the law — or federal authority — doesn’t exist. Both things can be true at once.

Even Governor Stein said it plainly:

“If we had absolute confidence that ICE was going to come here and they were going to go and find violent, dangerous drug traffickers and criminals… the city would welcome them with open arms.”
(11/13/25, WFAE)

He went on to say — and I’m paraphrasing — that if federal agents come simply to scare families or create chaos, that’s a different matter entirely.

That distinction matters.

Right now, what stands out to me is the volume of communication we’ve received this week about something that “might happen.”

Meanwhile, we’ve had consecutive weekends marked by actual violence in our city — including multiple homicides — that received far less urgent attention.

That gap is real. It’s something we need to acknowledge. Why is that?

My hope is that all of this turns out to be speculation, with no negative impact on our residents or our city.

In the meantime, we should stay informed and stay committed to both safety and compassion.

Below is the full statement released this morning @8:32 AM so you can read the original message in full context:

⸻

FULL JOINT STATEMENT (as released)

City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioner & CMS School Elected Officials Joint Statement
Nov. 15, 2025 @ 8:32 am

Our organizations believe that our diversity makes us stronger. And with that belief we are unwavering in our commitment to a safe and welcoming community where everyone can grow and thrive. It is critical for all residents to feel secure in our community and know they can live their lives without being fearful while walking down the street, going to school, work or the grocery store.

The expected U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (commonly called “Border Patrol”) operations are causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty in our community as recent operations in other cities have resulted in people without criminal records being detained and violent protests being the result of unwarranted actions.

We want people in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County to know we stand with all residents who simply want to go about their lives, contributing to our larger community. Each of our organizations have made commitments to the people we serve to protect their rights and dignity. We are committed to following the law and to protecting the rights of all people who call Charlotte and Mecklenburg County home.

It is important for people to understand their rights. There are a number of organizations standing ready to assist individuals seeking legal guidance on immigration matters and if anyone has questions about their immigration status or rights, please reach out to those organizations.

If you need the police, don’t hesitate to call 911. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) does not participate in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations and is not involved in the planning or ex*****on of any federal immigration enforcement activities.

We know many of you want to speak out and make your voices heard — and that’s your right. We ask that, as a community, we do so peacefully. We do not want to see violence like many witnessed in other cities. We can stand up for what we believe in without resorting to violence.

Our region has thrived and grown because our strength lies in our diversity and our collective commitment to each other and to this community. Let us all — no matter our political allegiance – stand together for all hard working and law-abiding families.

Vi Lyles – Mayor of Charlotte
Mark Jerrell – Chair, Board of County Commissioners
Stephanie Sneed – Chair, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education

Friends — thank you for your support, encouragement, and belief in me, my family & this campaign.

Last night was a blue tidal wave of epic proportions.

To say we were beaten would be an understatement — the margin between me and my nearest opponent, Lawanna Mayfield, was 41,000 votes.

Had we known the scoreboard before tipoff, we might’ve thought twice.

Let’s just say this race was the political equivalent of my high school basketball team taking on the Los Angeles Lakers!

In all seriousness, the results across the city were a clear reflection of the national mood and a strong rebuke against the President. I believe many were voting with emotion, frustration, and fatigue—and local candidates felt the ripple effect.

Only one Republican candidate in Charlotte survived last night’s ballot — and he ran unopposed.

Sadly, Charlotte is now officially a one-party town.

That’s disappointing for those of us who believe in good government & that our elected bodies works best when there are two perspectives and a healthy balance of ideas.

But there’s so much to hold our heads high about…

• We ran a positive, issues-based campaign focused on making Charlotte safer and more affordable.

• We earned a glowing endorsement from the Charlotte Observer, hardly a conservative paper!

• We raised more funds than all four of our opponents and the incumbent mayor — combined.

• We were the only candidate who was on TV with an ad was aired across CBS, NBC, and ABC local affiliates— morning, noon, and night — for two solid weeks.

• We also received quiet but heartfelt encouragement from Democrats — including former and even a few current elected officials — who gave their vote & support

So yes — the results sting, but the mission continues.

Charlotte needs balance, and voices willing to engage across party lines with civility and common sense.

Onward and upward, my friends.

Now… let’s turn the page and get ready for Thanksgiving.

With gratitude,
Edwin

🗣️VOTE EARLY! So happy to see Amy Rupertus Peacock & superstar candidates Lisa Cline, & Krista Keith Bokhari support for

Two weeks ago, I hosted a community meeting with business owners in the at Woodlawn / Old Pineville corridor @ a luxury apartment complex (The Kingsman) that was literally under daily assault by vagrants, addicts, & repeat offenders .

I was joined by CMPD, Code Enforcement, and Housing staff — & A Deputy City Manager to see firsthand what neighbors have been reporting.

What we found in broad daylight was an open-air drug market, rampant homelessness, and prostitution.

In just one hour, we saw how bad it’s gotten.

We even witnessed (live) two individuals who had torn cables from a building to sell copper & were apprehended by officers who were with us.

So when I heard about last nights tragic shooting near the Archdale light rail station, I wasn’t surprised.

It’s time for city leaders, CMPD, and neighbors to work together to bring safety, accountability, and hope back to this quickly declining corridor in LOSO.

https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/homicide-in-southwest-charlotte/275-f712bd3e-be46-4ada-ab09-e143d9cbb370

💥 Good news! 💥
The Charlotte Observer Editorial Board just released their endorsements for City Council At-Large — and I’m honored to be among them.

“Republicans don’t often have strong choices in at-large races, but they have one in Peacock, who would bring a wealth of experience to the role. He’s a reasonable, thoughtful Republican who knows city government and has the respect of colleagues. He would provide a contrary and thoughtful perspective to the council without being a disruptive force.”

I’m proud to stand for common-sense leadership, experience, and collaboration to move Charlotte forward.

🗳️ Early voting is underway — let’s make it count!

Charlotte Observer endorsements: Our choices in mayor, city council races

ENOUGH. 💔

Four-year-old Jayce is gone — killed in a carjacking gone wrong. His family will never see him grow up, all because of a system that keeps catching and releasing violent offenders until tragedy strikes.

Take a look at the suspects:

🔹 Abel (age 18) — Arrested multiple times this year for stealing cars, fleeing police, posting stolen vehicles online, and carrying a gun while on probation. Each time, he posted bond and walked free.

🔹 Davis (age 23) — Convicted burglar and car thief with 29 prior charges in South Carolina and a North Carolina prison record. Yet somehow, he was back out on the streets.

🔹 Guerrier (age 24) — Failed to appear in court just a month before the deadly theft. Previous charges dismissed.

🔹 Hudson (age 22) — The only one without a record — until now.

This isn’t just a “crime” problem.

It’s a prosecution and sentencing problem — a system that’s lost its grip on accountability.

Judges, prosecutors, and lawmakers all share responsibility for a cycle that values “second chances” over public safety.

It shouldn’t take the death of a child to remind us: Justice delayed is danger delivered.

Charlotte deserves better. North Carolina deserves better. Jayce deserved better. 💔



https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/crime/article312516318.html?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZnRzaANftrhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHksj0XBCQk5Xo0P1143dPXy-wDxfVbTG2ZEU3L_9aVQTnFkMCnv_nXchvmp7_aem_vOtiLSQuI9rw36kdaBX10w

Teen who police say killed 4-year-old in Charlotte accused of stealing 8 cars An 18-year-old police say killed a 4-year-old in a south Charlotte car theft had stolen eight sports cars this year, records show.

🗳️ Early Voting Starts Today…one location only !

📍 Hal Marshall Center
700 N. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC
⏰ 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Make your voice heard…VOTE!

Early voting starts today. Only one location is open currently: Hal Marshall center in uptown. 6:30 am-7:30

CRIME UPDATE & THOUGHTS ON CMPD & CITY PRESS RELEASE

Crime is Charlotte’s #1 issue—and we’re losing ground.

Just walk through Center City: panhandling, homelessness, and untreated mental illness are out of control, leaving too many citizens feeling unsafe in their own community.

After eight straight weeks of homicides across Charlotte—and national scrutiny following the Iryna Zuruska tragedy on 8/22—I wanted to share how the City’s communications and CMPD’s own data tell slightly different stories about safety.

Here's my quick take:

City Hall says: “Crime is down, streets are safer.”

CMPD’s data & press release tells us: “Yes—but not so fast.”

➡️ Violent crime is down 20% and property crime 5%—mostly from fewer car thefts.

➡️ Car break-ins and commercial burglaries are flat or rising. I argues, it's RISING. (Just ask neighbors in Ballantyne & Southpark who have had a rash of early morning "smash & grabs" on multiple cars or the 3 storefronts at Park Road Shopping Center that were hit recently)

➡️ CMPD notes repeat offenders and weak accountability still drive fear and crime perception.

CMPD’s tone is cautious and data-driven.

City Hall’s summary feels polished and political with a "protect the organization" projection.

Our city leadership team plans on hosting a press conference on this report in the next few days. We shall see what message & tone is sent to us all about the state of crime in CLT.

I’ve encouraged our leaders to shoot straight on public safety—because the public's trust depends on truth thru transparency, not spin.

Respectfully-
Edwin

+++
From: Schneider, Jason
Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 12:00:47 PM
Subject: CMPD 3rd Quarter Safety Briefing

Mayor & Council,

Earlier this morning, CMPD held it’s Third Quarter Safety Briefing. The full release is below. Highlights include:

• Overall Crime Reduction: Overall crime is down 8% and violent crime is down 20% through the third quarter (January-September 2025) compared to the same period last year, marking the third consecutive quarter of decline for violent crime.

• Significant Declines in Key Areas: Homicides have decreased by 24% (62 this year vs. 82 last year), robberies by 22%, and aggravated assaults by 19%. Property crime has also fallen by 5%.

• Proactive Policing Efforts Driving Results: Increased officer engagement, including a 5% rise in total police interactions and an 18% increase in officer-initiated efforts, is credited with the positive trends. This includes a 25% increase in gun seizures (3,167 total) and 80% of homicides cleared by arrest year to date.

• New Targeted Initiatives: CMPD launched the Entertainment District Unit (EDU) and the CROWN Culture Initiative to address violent incidents and disturbances in key nightlife areas like Uptown/South End.

• Reorganization of Crime Reduction Units (CRU): Previously operating as division-specific teams, CRUs were reorganized on July 5, 2025, as service area-level units for stronger resource deployment. Since July 2025, CRUs have assisted in 1,256 traffic stops and 450 arrests, seizing 282 fi****ms and approximately 36,530 grams (over 80 pounds) of narcotics across all 13 divisions.

Jason Schneider
Communications Director
City of Charlotte
++++
CMPD Third Quarter Report: Violent, Property and Overall Crime Decrease as Department Tackles Public Perception

Third quarter report highlights an 8% drop in overall crime and a 20% decline in violent offenses.

Charlotte, N.C. (Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025) – Today, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) released its third quarter public safety report for January through September 2025, showcasing a substantial decline in crime citywide.

The data reveals a notable drop in overall crime, a decrease in violent offenses and continued progress in reducing property-related incidents.

These encouraging trends reflect the department’s commitment to data-driven policing, innovative crime prevention strategies and the unwavering dedication of officers working in close partnership with the community.

Through the first nine months of the year, overall crime has decreased 8% compared to this same time last year. Charlotte experienced a 20% reduction in violent crime, which includes homicides, rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults which encompass shootings. Property crime, which includes residential and commercial burglary, auto theft and larceny, is down 5%.

“Patrol officers are the most visible part of our department. They are in our communities building relationships, deterring crime and providing services to our Charlotte residents. Every day, our officers intervene in disputes, stop crimes in progress and prevent violence without it ever making the news. The progress we’re making in reducing violent crime is the result of strong, ongoing teamwork and we remain committed to a safe Charlotte” said Deputy Chief Jackie Bryley.

Overall, the CMPD saw decreases in the following offenses:

• Homicides are down 24%
• Aggravated assaults are down 19%
• Robberies are down 22%

Proactive measures such as officer-initiated efforts and firearm seizures are up significantly through the first half of the year:

• Officer-initiated efforts are up 18%
• Firearm seizures are up 25%
• Arrests are up 15%

Data alone cannot capture the real impact crime has on victims and their families. While overall and violent crime have both declined significantly, if you are the victim of a crime or know someone who has been victimized, it can shape your perception of safety in Charlotte.

To tackle public perception while addressing areas of opportunity, CMPD recently launched our Entertainment District Unit (EDU) and the CROWN Culture Initiative. The EDU is a specialized, high-visibility proactive policing unit focused on making Uptown and South End nightlife safer. The CROWN Culture Initiative (otherwise known as Center City’s Restoration of Order, Wellness, and Nonviolence) is a focused, high-impact effort through elevated police presence, strict enforcement, and close collaboration with our community partners. The goal with both initiatives is to restore public confidence, reduce crime and reinforce safe, livable streets.

In addition to these focused initiatives, the strategic deployment of Crime Reduction Units (CRUs) in the four patrol service areas is supporting long-term crime reduction. These units work tirelessly to identify and target high-crime areas, reducing victimization and creating a safer community. Previously operating as division-specific teams, CRUs were reorganized on July 5, 2025, as service area-level units for stronger resource deployment.

Since July 2025, CRUs have assisted in 1,256 traffic stops and 450 arrests, seizing 282 fi****ms and approximately 36,530 grams (over 80 pounds) of narcotics across all 13 divisions.
Despite the encouraging progress in the first nine months of 2025 in reducing overall crime, repeat offenders continue to inflate crime stats and victimization numbers across the city, negatively contributing to the perception of public safety.

“We continue to see a troubling pattern: a disproportionate number of violent incidents and property crimes are being committed by individuals with extensive criminal histories—many of whom continue to cycle through the justice system without facing meaningful consequences,” said Sergeant Todd Martin of the Southeast Service Area Crime Reduction Unit. “The cycle of catch and release does not reduce crime in our community.”

Inconsistent accountability for repeat offenders—both adults and juveniles—undermines community safety and places an undue burden on victims, neighborhoods and law enforcement resources. Public safety remains a community-wide effort.

Individuals can take simple precautions like locking their vehicles, securing valuables and removing fi****ms from vehicles. Residents and visitors are encouraged to report suspicious activity by calling 911 or sharing information anonymously calling Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, using the Charlotte Crime Stoppers P3 Tips Mobile App or by visiting the Charlotte Crime Stoppers website.
Residents and businesses can play a crucial role in reducing and solving crime by participating in the Connect Charlotte program. Residents can confidentially register their security cameras through the program’s secure online portal—enhancing neighborhood awareness and contributing to a stronger, citywide safety network. Businesses can integrate their security systems to enhance safety, improve response times and support investigations.

The CMPD’s 2025 Third Quarter Public Safety Report statistics follow national standards set by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) summary statistics.

The following statistical breakdown provides a snapshot of crime through the Third Quarter of 2025 compared to the Third Quarter of 2024.

• Violent crimes: 4,506 offenses in 2025 compared to 5,622 offenses in 2024.
• Homicides: 62 in 2025 compared to 82 in 2024.
• Aggravated assaults: 3,494 in 2025 compared to 4,311 in 2024.
• Rapes: 127 in 2025 compared to 183 in 2024.
• Robberies: 821 in 2025 compared to 1046 in 2024.
• Property crimes: 26,522 offenses in 2025 compared to 27,974 in 2024.
• Residential burglaries: 1,239 in 2025 compared to 1,322 in 2024.
• Commercial burglaries: 1,824 in 2025 compared to 1,751 in 2024.
• Larcenies from automobiles: 7,716 in 2025 compared to 7,697 in 2024.
• Vehicle thefts: 4,627 in 2025 compared to 5,850 in 2024.
• Arsons: 96 in 2025 compared to 116 in 2024.

To review the full press conference or to access graphics and data shared:
• CMPD Facebook
• CMPD YouTube
• Graphics and data shared during the press conference

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Doug Lebda. A visionary business leader and generous philanthropist who left a lasting impact on Charlotte and beyond. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the LendingTree team. 🙏

LENDINGTREE ANNOUNCES THE UNEXPECTED PASSING OF COMPANY FOUNDER, CHAIRMAN AND CEO DOUG LEBDA /PRNewswire/ -- LendingTree, Inc. (NASDAQ: TREE) announced that Doug Lebda, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, passed away unexpectedly...

👀The truth behind the numbers.
Back in August, I requested crime data around Charlotte’s light rail for the past 3 years.

What we discover doesn’t match the “crime is down” narrative nor what we hear frequently from riders.

🎥 Watch this nice summary from Reporter Julie Kay (WCNC) of the data finally provided to the public. https://youtu.be/D0m2BMmSLeU

Charlotte City Council member reacts to new crime data Julie Kay joins Nick Sturdivant on WCNC+ to share what Edwin Peacock is saying.Every day, WCNC Charlotte is streaming the latest news, weather, traffic and m...