Councilmember
Kenyan R. McDuffie Statement on Recent Gun Violence and Funding for
a Violence Intervention Initiative
Washington,
D.C. -- Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie (Ward 5) has issued the
following statement on gun violnece of the past weekend, and a new
violence intervention initative:
“I
am deeply saddened and upset by the senseless gun violence that has
taken place across communities in the District over the weekend.
Here we are, merely weeks before the school year ends, and the
summer begins, and we are dealing with 11 people shot and four
killed including 24-year-old Anthony Clark, who was shot and killed
in Langston Terrance on Memorial Day. This is outrageous, and as a
native Washingtonian, husband, father, brother, friend, and
Councilmember, I can no longer accept the violence that has gripped
our city as an everyday fact of life.
Yesterday, I met with residents from across the city alongside Ward
8 Councilmember Trayon White and other District leaders. What I
heard from residents in attendance were feelings of grief, fear,
hopelessness, and anger, toward what they feel is a lack of respect
for the value of human life.
We must call out gun violence for what it is—every single shooting,
every time it happens—and endeavor to change this devastating
culture of violence.
Over the last 24 hours, I have worked with my Council colleagues
and the Attorney General to identify and allocate funding for a
violence intervention initiative to be implemented this summer.
These additional resources will enhance current efforts such as the
implementation of the NEAR Act’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and
Engagement.
We must use all available resources to stem the tide of senseless
gun violence—the future of our city, our young people, depends on
it.
Working with the community, I will continue to do everything I can
to address the root causes of violence that plague communities
across the District."
###
|
No comments:
Post a Comment