Gun violence task force targeting kids in Roanoke ‘If we do not attack this problem, it’s only going to get worse.’ Updated: Tags: ROANOKE, Va. – A different kind of pandemic is infecting the Star City: gun and gang violence. “We are really dealing with a pandemic in ourselves and our community of gangs,” said one guest speaker, Jermaine Johnson. “If we do not attack this problem, it’s only going to get worse.” Friday, Roanoke City’s gun violence task force held its virtual monthly meeting to discuss the next move. Roanoke City Police presented information about gun violence incidents to the group. In 2020, there were 58 incidents where someone was hit by gunfire. There were 12 homicides.