In response to the epidemic of children and teenagers falling victim to gun violence in Atlanta, the Atlanta Public Safety Commission is reportedly going to hold a special meeting for residents to discuss how to reduce violence involving children.
“The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 at Atlanta City Hall more than two weeks after 12- and 15-year-old boys were killed and others were injured by teenagers on the 17th Street bridge near Atlantic Station,” Fox 5 Atlanta reported. “Police announced two arrests in the murder investigation and said they are searching for other suspects.”
The mother of 12-year-old Zyion Charles, one of the children shot and killed in the recent shooting near Atlantic Station, told city council members she had wanted her child placed in juvenile custody because of his criminal activity, according to the report.
Atlanta City Councilwoman Keisha Waites has suggested a stricter curfew for young teenagers in Atlanta. The current curfew for those under 16- years-old is 11 p.m., but Waites believes a 7 p.m. curfew should be implemented on weekdays.
“I think drastic times call for drastic measures,” Waites said.
The news comes a few days after a group of faith leaders in Atlanta gathered near the scene of the shooting that killed 12-year-old Zyion Charles and 15-year-old Cameron Jackson. The faith leaders mourned the deaths of the children and demanded change.
“Let’s save our city, let’s save our youth,” said Rev. Darryl Winston of Greater Works Ministries.
“All of us must get involved,” said Rev. Winston. “The business community, faith community, local and state government. This is our problem. Our children are being affected.”
“They’re hanging out here at Atlantic Station and other areas after they’re dropped off by their parents without structured recreation,” said Bishop Dexter Jackson. “Then creating their own recreation is resulting in the things that we’re seeing happening.”
“Parents are saying that they’re calling, and they can’t get help,” the bishop said. “We want to be that bridge that will connect the parents to resources.”
