Scranton Mayor Promotes Violence Intervention Programs Amid Gang-Related Incident

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, who is also campaigning for Congress, is advocating for violence intervention initiatives that offer “safe spaces” for individuals entering or recently leaving the justice system. This move follows the injury of a city detective in a gang-related shooting. Interestingly, this comes a few months after a photo surfaced showing her alongside the operators of a Crips-affiliated hookah lounge, known for its connections to criminal activity.

Cognetti is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan, who is new to the position. The city has been grappling with rising instances of juvenile and gang violence, which, frankly, is concerning. Recently, a police detective, Kyle Gilmartin, was shot during a gang-related spree, adding urgency to the situation.

In response to this incident, Cognetti acknowledged the city’s gang violence problem and pushed for a bill that would redirect over $580,000 in ARPA funds towards establishing initiatives aimed at combating gang violence, inspired by successful models in other towns. She stated that the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) program would not be run by the police or county, but would create a supportive environment for those wanting to turn their lives around.

In November 2024, prior to her promotion of the GVI program, a photo appeared of Cognetti with Dwight Smith and Damion Williams, the operators of the Blueface Global Hookah Lounge. This establishment, previously known as the Castle After Hours Club, has gained notoriety for its links to criminal activity and violence, as highlighted by the local District Attorney.

Both Smith and Williams were arrested amid a larger crackdown on gang-related activities, their criminal histories dating back several years. Smith faced charges related to possession with intent to distribute, and Williams had previous convictions that included firearms offenses.

Concerns about the hookah lounge have been ongoing. Prior to becoming Blueface Global, the venue was associated with numerous police calls for fights and disturbances, sometimes even serious crimes. In fact, after a tragic shooting outside the previous establishment in 2019, city officials took steps to shut it down, reflecting the area’s ongoing struggle with public safety.

Four years before the photo with Smith and Williams, Cognetti expressed a desire for a community where police officers wouldn’t need to carry weapons, which, I think, reflects a vision for a more peaceful environment. The irony isn’t lost, given her current associations and the reality on the ground.

When a news outlet reached out to her for clarification regarding her past statements and the recent photo, a spokesperson defended Cognetti, emphasizing that under her leadership, violent crime rates have supposedly decreased and that significant investments have been made in the police department to enhance safety. She aims to continue supporting law enforcement and securing more resources for local police across the region.

Cognetti has faced scrutiny over her appointment of Michael Villa to the Human Relations Commission. Villa has had multiple run-ins with the law, including incidents leading to a citywide school lockdown. This situation pushed the city to reconsider his position, although it had been nearly two years since he was active on the commission. Comments from former rivals and council members reflect a growing concern about background checks during the appointment process.