‘Put the Guns Down’: DC Neighborhood’s Plea After 3 Children Injured in Daylight Shootings

Residents of a Northwest D.C. neighborhood reeling after three youngsters have been struck by gunfire in lower than two weeks are pleading for individuals to place down their weapons.

Residents gathered at Georgia Avenue and Kennedy Road Friday night to ask for a ceasefire.

“Stand down,” one speaker mentioned. “Put the weapons down.”

“I’ve been to so many funerals within the final 20 years, however these days in Ward 4 we’ve had too many shootings,” one other mentioned. “So, please put the weapons down.” 

Kids ages 6, 8 and 9 have been injured in two daylight shootings up to now 10 days. A number of adults additionally have been shot, together with a person who died.

“In the event you want a job, we’ll get you one,” Ward 4 Council member Janeese Lewis George mentioned. “In the event you want coaching, we’ll do it. In the event you want help, when you want mentoring, when you want tutoring, when you want an area to name dwelling, we’re right here and able to struggle with you and for you.”

George was flanked by violence interrupters and members of the clergy from neighborhood church buildings.

“In the event you don’t put down the weapons and make a unique selection, the tip end result would be the identical,” mentioned the Rev. Keith Byrd of Zion Baptist Church. “Please settle for the problem.”

Members of the neighborhood provided recommendations like protecting recreation and neighborhood facilities open later.