Members of the clergy came together in New Haven Monday to voice concerns over recent gun violence in the city.
New Haven police have released the shooting crime statistics for the year so far, and compared to recent years, homicides, non-fatal shootings and shots fired cases are actually down. But members of the community are concerned about recent shootings, including the killing of a 14-year-old boy, which have leaders looking for solutions.
“We are encouraging the community to come forth and help us put these people behind bars that have killed innocent children,” said Pastor Charles H. Brewer III of the Trinity Temple Church of God In Christ.
Brewer announced a coalition of Young spiritual leaders who are coming together to try to tackle recent violence in communities like theirs by engaging those who are most at risk.
This comes in response to the shooting of a 14-year-old boy near Bassett and Newhall Streets on July 16. Police said the victim, who later died at the hospital, was targeted by the shooter.
On July 22, a 13-year-old boy was shot in the leg near Shelton Avenue and Ivy Street. And a day later, a 21-year-old man was shot in the face near East Street.
In a statement about the violence, New Haven Police Chief Anthony Campbell wrote:
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"This is a situation which cannot and will not be tolerated. This is the time where both the New Haven Police Department and the community can utilize the relationships which have been built over the years to ensure that this type of behavior stops immediately!"
The chief also said that there is no place in the city for people who don’t value the safety of the community and the sanctity of life, and called for anyone with information on the recent violence to come forward. Tips can be made anonymously.
