Concern grows as data points to a pattern of youth-involved gun violence in The Bronx
While shootings are down slightly, leaders say the number of kids behind the trigger is rising.
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Concern is growing as data shows a pattern of youth-involved gun violence in The Bronx.
"It's senseless, and it must end, it must end now," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.
Bronx leaders are sounding the alarm on the dangerous reality of gun violence plaguing the streets of the borough.
"We are losing a generation of children to death and to prison," said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.
While shootings are down slightly, leaders say the number of kids behind the trigger is rising.
"Shootings have become even more disturbing and shocking because we are seeing more and more children firing guns," said Clark.
Clark says 108 people have been shot in the borough as of May 25 and 23 people have been killed as a result. Two of the victims were teenagers, including 16-year-old Evette Jeffery, who lost her life in a schoolyard fight in May. A 14-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy are facing charges for allegedly firing the gun that killed her.
Additionally, 41 teens have been arrested for gun-related charges this year, officials say.
"A lot of those guns are in backpacks, as we see. As I look at countless videos, and do countless investigations into shootings and shots fired, young people with guns walking around with masks on every day, all day," said Benjamin Gurley, assistant chief of Patrol Borough Bronx.
The NYPD has assigned an additional 238 police officers to The Bronx as part of its summer safety plan. Gurley says they will be focused on 10 command centers throughout the borough, particularly the South Bronx. The officers will be on foot patrol from 5 p.m. To 4 a.m. in an effort to prevent crime before it happens.
"We have to stop the supply of guns. These untraceable weapons are flooding our streets, they are putting residents and children in harm's way. We need laws that reflect the urgency of this crisis," said Gibson.
Gibson, along with community leaders, launched the "Violence Stops With Us" campaign for Gun Violence Awareness Month. The campaign focuses on youth services, programming and community partnerships.
The Bronx Borough President's Office, Bronx District Attorney's Office, along with community organizations, will be hosting events throughout the month to bring awareness to gun violence.
