DETROIT – After mass shootings in New York and Texas, hundreds came out on Detroit’s east side to protest gun violence.
Every protestor was motivated to be there for different reasons.
During a protest on Saturday, Detroit Police Chief James White and Sheriff Raphael Washington said that law enforcement is just one aspect of ending gun violence.
“We cannot arrest our way out of this problem. And the police alone can’t stop it. Yes, we need our community to step up and say, ‘enough is enough. We want this to stop,’” said White.
Nonprofits and activists say this turnout demonstrates the grassroots effort that’s vital for lasting change.
“We can’t just sit back and watch people lose their lives and not care, but care when it happens to us,” said Dujuan Zoe.
Many brought their children to the march, hoping the next generation won’t live in fear of the next mass shooting.
“I think more importantly than saying ‘scary things happen’ is that people can gather and take action, and you as a child can be in the street. And you can say, ‘I want people to do something to make the world a better place,’” said a protestor.
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