Juneteenth shooting comes despite efforts to give teens positive outlet
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Six teenagers were shot Monday afternoon after Milwaukee's Juneteenth festival, according to police. Authorities said at a press conference each of the victims, whose ages range between 14 and 19, were expected to survive.
The gun violence happened a short distance away from an area organizers designated specifically for young adults to have a space of their own.
The "Teen Zone" featured 3-on-3 basketball tournaments and Double Dutch contests. Safe & Sound Executive Director Bridget Whitaker said in an interview earlier in the afternoon the goal was to connect teens with one another, and to get them set up with other services, such as mentorship, as well as other programs throughout the summer.
"We're doing everything from Drive Wisdom, which is a reckless driving workshop, to being involved in drug prevention activities," Whitaker said. "Recognizing gun violence is the number one issue that is affecting communities, while we're trying to talk to young people about how to be the change they want to see."
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said a dispute led to the gunfire after 4 p.m. near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. and Locust St.
Four females and two males were hurt. Norman said one of those who were wounded, a 17-year-old boy, was believed to be the gunman.
Police did not specifically say there was more than one shooter involved in Monday's incident, but added they were still looking for additional unknown suspects.
Earlier in the day, Norman told CBS 58 he wanted officers to spend time in the Teen Zone in an effort to build relationships with some of the young people.
"Get to know the kids. Get to know who they are," Norman said. "Get to know what their interests are. Get to know how they click and tick, because the only thing- with that relationship, you're able to get to them in regard to, 'OK, this is a more positive conflict resolution for your situation. This is something you can do constructive with your time.'"
Most of the day went off without problems, as people enjoyed the parade, followed by a festival teeming with vendors that spanned several blocks of Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
However, by later afternoon, multiple fights broke out near the festival and Rose Park, where the Teen Zone was staged.
About an hour after the shooting, a CBS 58 crew witnessed a group of teens attack another teen. A short time later, officers on horseback and in riot gear declared an unlawful assembly and forced a large group of teens to disperse from an area near the corner of 5th St. and Chambers St.
Donta Holmes, also from Safe & Sound, said earlier in the afternoon he was hopeful the event would empower some of the teens, and help give them the confidence to become leaders in their own friend circles.
"They can break the cycle for themselves. They won't have to have the voices of myself or any other adults," Holmes said. "They can write the narratives for themselves."