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Leaders of the Como community and Fort Worth police are launching a new initiative to enhance security at this year’s Comofest celebration on July 3.
Last year, a mass shooting occurred nearby just hours after the event, resulting in three deaths and eight injuries. This incident has raised concerns among the victims’ families about the safety of holding Comofest again.
In response, police and Como leaders assured NBC 5 that they have a plan to address these concerns this year.
“We’re looking toward the future of our neighborhood, so we’re doing this with purpose,” said Dena Ashton, chair of the Como Neighborhood Advisory Council.
Since 1950, the historically Black Fort Worth neighborhood of Como has held a celebration during the Independence Day holiday to support local businesses and strengthen the community.
In 2021, this event evolved into Comofest, a July 3 festival featuring food and family activities.
“Growing up, it was safe for us to be out and welcome people from different areas,” Ashton said. “But times have changed.”
While the daytime festival has not had issues, the hours following the event have been problematic.
In 2021, eight people were shot after Comofest at a car wash on nearby Horne Street. Last year, a mass shooting in the same area left three dead and eight injured.
Families of some victims attributed the violence to inadequate security among the large crowds that linger after Comofest ends, and they expressed concerns about the festival continuing this year.
“The nighttime activity is not okay; they shouldn’t even allow it,” said Tania Torres, cousin of mass shooting victim Cynthia Santos. “It’s out of hand, and it’s not okay.”
On Thursday, community and police leaders announced a new strategy to reduce nighttime violence after Comofest.
“We had to become solutions-oriented,” said Marcus Hudson, president of Legacy Lake Como. “This issue has plagued our community for decades.”
This year, there will be two events: the traditional Comofest celebration at Lake Como Park during the day and a new event called Como Homecoming at night.
Como Homecoming, a community fundraiser, will take place on Horne Street where large crowds typically gather. Police will block off the streets and supervise the area.
“I think the plan this year is to have a structured approach from the start,” said Stefanie Ricks, West Division Commander with the Fort Worth Police Department.
Police plan to increase their presence in the area incrementally and will remove individuals acting disruptively.
Community leaders hope this plan will prevent violence from overshadowing Comofest.
“This time, we’ve got a solid plan to ensure everything runs smoothly,” said Paul Truebillian. “We want everyone to be safe.”
Comofest 2024 is scheduled for July 3. More information about the festivities can be found here.