A New Way To End Gun Violence
We must address the root causes of gun violence to create real safety.
Gun violence is a symptom of how our communities are being failed
40% of all gun violence in DC happens in 1 square mile in SE —at rates more than 10x higher than in NW. It’s not a coincidence that this 1 square mile is in one of the most neglected & criminalized areas in DC.
Police violence IS gun violence
In the last 5 years, MPD have killed at least 20 people and shot many, many more. In August 2021, MPD shot and killed 2 Black men— An’Twan Gilmore, for sleeping in his car, and George Watson, for holding a toy gun. In October 2021, DeAndre Johnson was shot and killed by the same MPD officer who shot and killed Eric Carter in 2019.
Cops don’t stop gun violence
Take the 14th St shootings during summer 2021: despite the area being filled with cops, shootings kept happening. The problem is NOT a lack of cops.
But violence interrupters can!
Community members who have broken cycles of violence can help others do the same. Violence interrupters are up to 5x more effective at reducing gun violence than policing, yet police get almost 100x more funding.
When all of our neighbors have their basic needs met, we are all safer.
Research shows that affordable housing, well-funded schools, youth programs, job training, trauma-informed healthcare, and other community services can all reduce gun violence.