Dallas, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Two fatal shootings at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) facilities occurred within a week, raising serious safety concerns for riders and officials alike. The recent incident at Pearl Station resulted in the death of a 44-year-old man, while the previous shooting claimed the life of a 53-year-old after a train argument. DART leadership is responding with increased police presence and calls for better transparency in crime reporting to ensure passenger safety and restore confidence in the transit system.
Dallas — Two Fatal Shootings at DART Facilities Within a Week Raise Safety Concerns
A pair of fatal shootings at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) facilities occurred within a week, reigniting safety concerns for the transit system. The most recent shooting happened at the Pearl Station in the Dallas Arts District at around 7 p.m. on October 5, 2025, leaving one person dead. The victim of the latest incident was identified as 44-year-old Norman Paul Brown III. The prior shooting occurred on September 29, 2025, resulting in the death of 53-year-old Daniel Tom Gormley, who was shot after an argument on a train.
Immediate developments and law enforcement response
The suspect in Gormley’s shooting, Christopher Clemson Akins, has been arrested and charged with murder. DART Police Chief Charles Cato noted that the recent shootings are being treated as isolated incidents, stating there is no ongoing threat to the public. There were three witnesses to the latest shooting, but no suspect was immediately apprehended. The investigation into the recent shootings is ongoing as DART Police maintain a strong presence to ensure passenger safety.
Resources and operational scale
DART allocates resources across a large transit network. Specifically, DART has 231 police officers, 76 fare enforcement officers, and 100 transit security officers. The police budget for fiscal year 2026 is $61.2 million. The size of the system is substantial: DART’s website has over 6,800 bus stops and 65 light rail stations, highlighting the scale of the transit system. Agency leadership continues to adjust patrols and visibility in response to the incidents.
Crime reporting and transparency
Crime reporting practices are under scrutiny and debate. DART Police Chief Cato presents quarterly crime reports to the agency’s board, but there are calls for monthly updates to ensure ongoing discussion of crime trends. In addition, Dallas City Council Member Cara Mendelsohn requested that DART post crime reports publicly to improve transparency and keep riders informed. Calls for more frequent and public reporting stem from rider concerns and a desire for clearer data on safety trends.
Trends, statistics and rider perceptions
Recent data show mixed trends. Data from DART shows type-A offenses, the most serious crimes, increased by 46%, though excluding drug paraphernalia, overall crime is reported to have decreased by 6%. Between April and June 2025, DART recorded 168 assaults and 24 aggravated assaults, indicating ongoing safety challenges. Despite increased patrols, crime perception among riders remains a significant concern influencing ridership decisions. Chief Cato acknowledged the challenges of addressing societal violence and indicated that public transit is not immune to these issues.
Operational and structural considerations
Officials and community members are examining operational changes and long-term solutions. DART’s open-platform system has raised concerns, with suggestions for transitioning to a closed system, but logistical and financial hurdles exist. Agency leaders say any major structural change would require detailed planning, funding and coordination with multiple jurisdictions.
Context beyond Dallas
Safety concerns are not unique to Dallas-area transit. Similar safety issues are being reported by transit agencies across the U.S., including Denver’s Regional Transportation District. Transit agencies nationwide are reviewing patrol strategies, reporting practices and rider education efforts as part of a broader effort to address crime and perceptions of insecurity.
Ongoing actions and next steps
DART continues to emphasize its commitment to rider safety while exploring new strategies to address crime and perceptions of insecurity. Agency leadership says it will keep adjusting patrols and investigative efforts as new information becomes available and will consult with local officials on reporting and transparency measures. The investigation into the recent shootings remains active as officials work to gather witness accounts, surveillance data and other evidence.
FAQ
What happened in the most recent shooting?
The most recent shooting happened at the Pearl Station in the Dallas Arts District at around 7 p.m. on October 5, 2025, leaving one person dead.
Who was the victim in the latest incident?
The victim of the latest incident was identified as 44-year-old Norman Paul Brown III.
What happened in the prior shooting a week earlier?
The prior shooting occurred on September 29, 2025, resulting in the death of 53-year-old Daniel Tom Gormley, who was shot after an argument on a train.
Has anyone been arrested in connection with the earlier shooting?
The suspect in Gormley’s shooting, Christopher Clemson Akins, has been arrested and charged with murder.
Are the shootings considered related or part of a wider threat?
DART Police Chief Charles Cato noted that the recent shootings are being treated as isolated incidents, stating there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Were there witnesses to the most recent shooting?
There were three witnesses to the latest shooting, but no suspect was immediately apprehended.
What resources does DART have for security?
DART has 231 police officers, 76 fare enforcement officers, and 100 transit security officers.
What is the DART police budget?
The police budget for fiscal year 2026 is $61.2 million.
How large is the DART system?
DART’s website has over 6,800 bus stops and 65 light rail stations, highlighting the scale of the transit system.
How has crime trended recently according to DART data?
Data from DART shows type-A offenses, the most serious crimes, increased by 46%, though excluding drug paraphernalia, overall crime is reported to have decreased by 6%.
How many assaults were recorded between April and June 2025?
Between April and June 2025, DART recorded 168 assaults and 24 aggravated assaults, indicating ongoing safety challenges.
Are other transit agencies reporting similar problems?
Similar safety issues are being reported by transit agencies across the U.S., including Denver’s Regional Transportation District.
What is DART doing about reporting and transparency?
DART Police Chief Cato presents quarterly crime reports to the agency’s board, but there are calls for monthly updates to ensure ongoing discussion of crime trends. Dallas City Council Member Cara Mendelsohn requested that DART post crime reports publicly to improve transparency and keep riders informed.
What is DART’s stated priority?
DART continues to emphasize its commitment to rider safety while exploring new strategies to address crime and perceptions of insecurity.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Most recent shooting location and time | Pearl Station in the Dallas Arts District at around 7 p.m. on October 5, 2025 |
| Latest victim | 44-year-old Norman Paul Brown III |
| Prior shooting date | September 29, 2025 |
| Prior victim | 53-year-old Daniel Tom Gormley |
| Suspect in prior shooting | Christopher Clemson Akins — arrested and charged with murder |
| DART security personnel | 231 police officers; 76 fare enforcement officers; 100 transit security officers |
| Police budget (FY2026) | $61.2 million |
| Network size | Over 6,800 bus stops and 65 light rail stations |
| Type-A offense change | Increased by 46% |
| Overall crime change (excluding drug paraphernalia) | Decreased by 6% |
| Assaults (Apr–Jun 2025) | 168 assaults; 24 aggravated assaults |
| Witnesses to latest shooting | Three witnesses; no suspect immediately apprehended |
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Additional Resources
- Dallas News: DART’s Crime and Safety Perception Issues Persist
- Wikipedia: Dallas Area Rapid Transit
- Fox 4 News: DART Train Shooting in Dallas
- Google Search: Dallas Area Rapid Transit crime
- CBS News: Deadly DART Shooting
- Google Scholar: DART Train shootings
- Fox News: Dallas Train Shooting Leaves 1 Dead
- Encyclopedia Britannica: DART Transit System
- WFAA: DART Police Continue Search for Shooting Suspect
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
