Community rallies against Brooklyn gun violence, demanding action and healing

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- In the wake of several tragic shootings this week in Brooklyn, the community came together Friday to take a stand against the senseless gun violence they said is plaguing their neighborhoods.

The demonstration follows a series of shootings in the borough, including a fatal incident on Labor Day near Eastern Parkway and Franklin Avenue that left one person dead and four others injured. On Wednesday, two men were wounded in a shooting on Park Place, and later that same night, a man was shot and killed inside the Rockaway Avenue train station, according to investigators.

“We want to make sure that people know not only should this be a safe community, but we need to come together in community, in solidarity and in peace, to show folks what is possible,” said New York City Councilmember Crystal Hudson.

The rally served not only as a call to action but also as an attempt to bring healing to a community still hurting from the recent violence. Organizers are providing the community with resources to combat gun violence and promote peace.

“We’re trying to bring the community back to some calm, some healing,” said Maximillian Dor, CEO of Greater Direction. “A lot has been going on these past couple of days with the shootings. A lot of tragedy, so we’re just trying to bring some comfort to the community.”

Although NYPD data shows an 11 percent decrease in gun violence compared to this time last year, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams insists that more needs to be done to address the root causes of violence and ensure long-term safety for New Yorkers. 

“Here in Brooklyn, we have saved some lives thanks to some of the work that’s being done… but we have to acknowledge that people are still dying, and there’s a lot more work that needs to be done,” Williams emphasized.

Those who attended the rally are vowing to continue the fight against gun violence, with many ready to take action in their communities.