Joint statement from all members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Earlier this week tragedy struck again. A 12-year-old girl was helping her mother carry in groceries Monday evening when they were both shot, and the young girl was killed. She was the youngest of six kids, and we send our best to her mother, father, siblings, family members, and all those in the community that are grieving the loss of this girl who had her entire life ahead of her.
The continued trends in Milwaukee are infuriating. This is the third shooting in a week’s time that has involved a minor, and she is the 20th homicide victim aged 17 or younger so far this year.
Gun violence has become too commonplace when it comes to “solving” arguments or dealing with confrontations. In no way should pulling the trigger be an acceptable way to handle any situation, and it is on all of us to do better.
Resources are available to help if a situation seems like it may escalate into violence. In addition to using the MPD emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency number (414-933-4444), 414LIFE staff that are affiliated with the city’s Office of Violence Prevention are experienced in violence interruption and de-escalation and are here to help. They can be reached at 414-439-5525. For those who were affected by this incident, or any incident, you can receive assistance by calling the city’s Mobile Trauma Response Team (MPD), at 414-257-7621 or by contacting Milwaukee County’s 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line at 414-257-7222.
MPD continues to seek known suspects regarding this homicide. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips or P3 Tips.
It will take all of us to curb gun violence, and helping prevent even a single incident can make all the difference.