A Virginia journalist is among those killed in a senseless act of gun violence in the city of Norfolk. The state's third largest city and heart of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area is the scene of a weekend shooting.
The Norfolk Police Department is investigating a shooting that left one person dead and four others injured.
A tweet from police said that they got a call that there had been a shooting on the 300 block of Granby Street at 1:55 a.m. on Saturday morning.
When they arrived, they found a man who had died at the scene.
Sierra Jenkins, a reporter for the Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press was killed outside a Granby Street bar.
The 25-year old reporter would be usually on scene to cover news for the region.
Tragically she became the news. A young Black woman who wanted to do good for the community by telling the stories about Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News and Williamsburg.
Devon Harris was a semi-pro football star.
The man who died on the scene has been identified as 25-year-old Devon M. Harris of Portsmouth.
Two additional men were also taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for injuries that weren't life-threatening.
“We continue to have these senseless shootings, all across America, but more importantly here at home in Norfolk," said Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander.
Police are still investigating what led to it. They have not yet said anything about a suspect.
Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi told 13News Now that to his knowledge, there is no immediate threat to the public.
Fatehi's office will be prosecuting the case. He said this shooting is the byproduct of a national gun violence epidemic.
“We need to remember that alcohol, guns and crowds do not mix. If you intend to go out, if you intend to drink, leave your gun at home. Do not put yourself in a position to make a decision that would cost somebody their lives, by costing them their lives, costing them your life and your freedom," Fatehi said.
Our records show that, in the past year, five separate shootings led to 13 people shot between the 200 and 700 blocks on Granby Street.
Mayor Alexander said Norfolk is involved with ongoing programs and initiatives to the curb violence citywide for the long and short term.
"It's something that we need to address together and find solutions together," he said. And he admits more needs to be done.
Mayor Alexander is calling for additional lighting and security cameras on Granby, as well as a step up in enforcement and police presence.
Sierra Jenkins reported the news. Tragically she became the news.
He also wants to look at more data, "and then if the data proves to be that the character of a business contributes to certain types of violence in the city, I would ask council to look at that and maybe to reduce the hours."
Fatehi said he action also needs to take place at the national and state levels.
Locally, anti-violence activists like Bilal Muhammad of Stop the Violence Team are trying to forge change.
"Don't let our ideas lead us into violence," he pleaded.
Muhammad's group is especially focused on getting youth involved and engaged.
"We need to bring about a peaceful coalition and understanding with one another," he said.
Governor Youngkin issued a statement about the incident along Granby Street:
"Our hearts are breaking for the lives lost in Norfolk, including Sierra Jenkins. The First Lady and I are praying for their families, friends, and the Virginian-Pilot community."
Lt. Governor Winsome Sears also put out a statement:
"We are heartbroken over the senseless loss of life. Our prayers for the families and loved ones of those killed last night in Norfolk, including Virginian- Pilot reporter, Sierra Jenkins #condolences"
At this time, the names of the other victims have not been released.
This is an ongoing investigation. Norfolk leaders urge that if you have any information that can help police, contact the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit an anonymous online tip here.
Who deserves the blame for the rise in crime in the United States?
Every community in the United States will eventually have a legacy. A legacy of tragedy. Gun violence and COVID-19 will affect your town, your family and your life. So I don't want to hear that bullshit about how gun reform is taking away your rights to own firearms.
I don't want to hear that protesting against police killing people of color is hate on cops in general. I don't want to hear talk about the coronavirus being a myth. When you hear folks say "gun rights," what they really mean is that its white privilege.
I don't want to hear folks say masks and vaccine mandates impede their freedoms. It prevents a deadly outbreak from spreading. If you want to die from the coronavirus, that's on you.
Norfolk mayor vows to stop gun violence.
I don't want to hear the shit about guns saving lives. Cause a bullet does not have eyes and it's always likely gonna hit a target. These folks seem to not get it. These incidents are a tragic part of American history.
The website Officer Down is a memorial to those who were killed in the line of duty. Those who don't get their names mentioned in the junk food media. Also the website the National Gun Violence Memorial also keeps record of the many individuals killed by gun violence.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.
GUN VIOLENCE IS THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN THE UNITED STATES!
No comments:
Post a Comment