SPARTANBURG, S.C. —

The city of Spartanburg's mayor and community leaders gathered to address recent gun violence that has impacted the city's youth.

Mayor Jerome Rice was joined by members of the community for a news conference at the C.C. Woodson Community Center on Thursday.

"Gunshots have replaced conversation. Fear has replaced freedom," Rice said.

The news conference took place days after a shooting that killed 7-month-old Zymir Smith in the Collins Park neighborhood. Rahiem Kelly, 15, was also killed in a shooting several months ago.

Both deadly incidents were talked about as the community and elected officials pleaded for more cooperation to help keep young people safe.

Rice added that while crime is down across the city, too many lives have been lost or torn apart due to

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