Dozens attend town hall focused on stopping gun violence
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Several dozen people in Indianapolis came together on Saturday to talk about an issue they say is plaguing the Circle City: gun violence.
A town hall called “Call to Action” was hosted by the group Operation Boots on the Ground. It was an open and honest conversation with a group of people concerned about the level of violence in Indianapolis.
People talked about being tired of the sights and sounds of violence they say become all too common to some in the city.
Last year was Indianapolis’ most deadly ever. And organizers said they have tallied 39 homicides in the city already for this year.
“We’re going to hit probably over 100 homicides if we are not having this dialogue and continuing this dialogue,” said Cassandra Anderson, who moderated the event.
That record has inspired the Boots on the Ground Movement to try to get more people to help introduce solutions to gun violence.
People directly affected by violence spoke to the crowd — including one young man who said he has taken “a bullet through the head,” along with trips to jail multiple times. Another man shared that his cousin was murdered Friday night.
Many others came who said they simply want a safer community.
The event included a panel with religious leaders, a therapist and community leaders, who spoke about how to connect with people spiraling down the wrong path.
“People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care,” said Student Minister Nuri Muhammad, from Muhammad Mosque no. 74.
They also discussed where resources need to be focused.
“Getting down to those systemic issues, which begins with family, which begins with home, which begins with education,” said Patrice Duckett, the executive director of the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center.
Attendees gave their thought on what needs to change, saying people heading down the wrong path need to hear from people who have been in their shoes.
The key, speakers said, is keeping the conversation going: to reach more people, instill change and make a difference.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has spoken in the past about a major Achilles heel in their efforts to solve crimes — getting people who know information about crimes to speak out.
The organizers talked about the importance for people to take a vested interest and help IMPD to help the community and not focus on the fear of retaliation.
You can call IMPD anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.
