'One life lost is too much': Milwaukee leaders demand action after uptick in violence
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- After an uptick in violence, people across Milwaukee are demanding action.
City leaders say it's an all hands-on deck crisis that will take local leaders, organizations, police and the community working together to make a positive change.
"This is always a critical situation," said Chief Jeffrey Norman with the Milwaukee Police Department. "One life lost is too much life being lost and so, we all have a responsibility to have some part in the safety of our community."
As of Friday morning, June 13, 59 people have been killed in the city of Milwaukee this year. That’s in addition to the more than 230 non-fatal shootings.
Milwaukee leaders and residents say they've had enough of the violence.
"It must be said though right," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. "We don't control gun law at the local level and there are far too many people out there who have access to guns. We constantly need our partners at higher levels of government to take this issue seriously."
Recent violence involving youth is causing concerns and heartbreak. Friday alone, separate incidents lead to a 12-year-old shot and killed and two 17-year-olds shot.
"They're not going to be able to see that young person grows up and graduate and now they are planning for a damn funeral," said Milwaukee County Executive, David Crowley. "So there is so much more that we all have to do,"
The city of Milwaukee's Office of Community Wellness and Safety says to keep kids safe and away from violence, providing mental health resources and positive activities is key.
"Violence among our youth is a symptom of deeper community conditions," said Julien Phifer with the Office of Community Wellness and Safety. "Our youth are navigating trauma. They are navigating instability, and they are navigating the need for safe spaces."
Phifer says securing guns is also vital in prevention.
"Storage and safe handling of firearms is imperative, because it is contributing to the pipeline of untraceable weapons that are ending up in the wrong hands," said Phifer.