ST. LOUIS — It's been nearly six months since Gabe Gore became the new circuit attorney for the City of St. Louis, and Gore said he's clear on one thing.
"This is my primary problem," said Gore.
He's talking about the car break-ins, deadly shootings and other violence plaguing the city.
In the past month, there have been 30 auto thefts, 14 assaults and eight burglaries downtown and in the Downtown West areas, police said.
"This is an epidemic. This is something that must be addressed, and it's where my relentless focus is," Gore said.
He was the keynote speaker during a town hall meeting with members of the Downtown Neighborhood Association on Monday night. Gore told the crowd he and his team are committed to cracking down on those criminals.
"My focus today remains on doing what we can to hold people accountable for the commission of violent crimes," the circuit attorney said.
Gore replaced an embattled Kim Gardner who faced much criticism and controversy and saw many prosecutors leave the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office. Gore said he's currently working with 49 prosecutors but still wants to hire more "high-level lawyers."
He also promised to rebuild the office and relationships with city leaders and the city's police department.
"I thought having the circuit attorney present today was very symbolic and very good, and I'm quite pleased that he showed up," downtown resident David Sosne said.
"I was very, very impressed with his comments," Executive Director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association James Page said. "They were music to my ears. I think they are just what the City of St. Louis needs."
Page is also a former Alderman of the City's 5th Ward.
Gore said another goal of his "is to build trust with the community."
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