Community leaders gathered Tuesday to call for an end to gun violence after a weekend of shootings.
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The Black Political Empowerment Project, in partnership with the NAACP, Pittsburgh police and other organizations, said they had to speak out about the recent series of shooting incidents in the greater Pittsburgh area.
Their message was strong: The recent acts of gun violence were senseless.
Channel 11’s Mike Holden is talking a victim of gun violence. Hear his message to young people and why they should put the guns down on Channel 11 News beginning at 5 p.m.
“we all wanna live in a community where we are safe and don’t have to worry about our kids going outside.” @WPXI pic.twitter.com/zE0s1C3njp
— Mike Holden (@WPXIMikeHolden) August 14, 2018
Victim of gun violence asking young people to put down the guns and find a passion. “I just ask that we all listen to our parents and stay in school.... and stay off the streets. We are the future.” @WPXI pic.twitter.com/eMymz7nEuf
— Mike Holden (@WPXIMikeHolden) August 14, 2018
"The community has stepped up. We had seven shootings over the weekend and the community came forward and helped us solve six of them," Pittsburgh police Assistant Chief Lavonnie Bickerstaff said.
Leaders demanded stricter gun laws, improved education.
They also encouraged witnesses of violent crimes to speak out and work with police.
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