The violence unfolded on one of the busiest nights of the year for the district, which draws thousands of visitors for its bars, music venues and restaurants. Dallas police have said the shootings were separate incidents. One suspect, David Yancy, a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal record, is in custody for shooting seven of the victims. Police said Yancy surrendered after seeing his own image on a local television broadcast. Authorities are still searching for additional suspects and expect further arrests.

On Friday afternoon, the Deep Ellum Foundation hosted the listening session, giving community members a chance to voice concerns directly to city leadership. Dallas Police Chief David Comeaux, City Manager Kim Tolbert and Councilman Jesse Moreno were among the officials who fielded questions from the crowd.

Veronica Young, marketing manager for the Deep Ellum Foundation, said the feedback ranged widely. "We heard a wide range of things from curfews and managing parking lots," Young said. "I think there was just a wide range, but overall, I feel like this community just needed to be heard and I feel like this is a continuation of that."

Business owners, in particular, worried that the violence would scare away customers. Herbert Wyatt, owner of Mokah Coffee and Tea, said he is looking for a long-term solution rather than a quick fix. "Hopefully we picked up some lessons because it'll be insane again," Wyatt said. "It's not like, okay it's not going to be crazy next time. No, it's going to be crazy next time. It's always a question of how do we manage that." He added that the balance between commerce and safety is delicate: "Trying to find a way to where the business can operate. People can have a great time and you can keep people safe. And it's always a compromise."

Wyatt pointed to a practice at his own business as a model: the parking lot in front of his shop has an attendant who monitors it at night, which he said prevents loitering. He wants other parking lot owners to follow suit.

The first weekend since the shootings will bring enhanced security measures, according to the Deep Ellum Foundation, though officials declined to disclose specifics. Federal, state and local law enforcement have also launched "Operation Deep Cover," a joint effort to add more officers to the area and aggressively prosecute lawbreakers.

For a neighborhood still reeling from the deadliest night in recent memory, the listening session was a first step. Community leaders say they will use the feedback to develop additional safety plans, but residents made clear they expect action — and accountability — before the next big weekend arrives.