TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Three shootings just last weekend, two of which were fatal and involving minors, and a stabbing Wednesday in which six people were hurt.
The Tallahassee Urban League and the NAACP gathered with community partners Wednesday to address gun violence and urge people to come together to help stop violent crime.
City officials say it's time for everyone in the community to 'Get In The Game' and help law enforcement stem the tide of ever increasing violence, particularly with our youth.
Experts say there are plenty of ways people can get involved. Volunteer opportunities with organizations like the Urban League, Restorative Justice, and Big Brothers Big Sisters who work with at-risk young people to provide them with role models and direction in life.
Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Richardson says if you hear something or see something in your community contributing to crime and violence, you must report it and you can do so anonymously.
Law enforcement can only do so much so it desperately needs community involvement. He says we need to get to the root of the violence.
"How are these young people, clearly who are not legally able to purchase weapons, where are they getting these guns and why are these guns proliferating our community? We have to ask that question and get to the root of that," said Richardson.
Another reason for Wednesday's event was to announce an event happening Thursday to establish the first Neighborhood Watch program in Frenchtown.
The meeting is Thursday at 6 p.m. at The Urban League Offices on 923 Old Bainbridge Road.
It is open to the entire community and everybody is urged attend and get involved.
TPD and the Leon County Sheriff's Office will be there to answer questions and dinner will be served.
