NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The number of kids who became shooting victims in Newport News increased this year by 250%, according to an open records request 13News Now obtained from police.

The Newport News Police Department said that violent crime overall is down throughout the city, however, including homicides and shootings

In 2024, four children were victims of shootings in the city. This year, that number jumped up to 14.

Chanda Costan calls it a systemic problem. She’s the founder of the H.E.B. Foundation , an organization established as a gun violence intervention and prevention program that focuses on Newport News. She created it after her brother was gunned down there.

"This time of the year is one of the worst times," she said, "Because it’s when family comes together, and you’re m

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