Aurora metropolis leaders and neighborhood members gathered at Nome Park, the place six teenagers have been shot. They joined in prayer and a name to motion to maintain college students protected.
AURORA, Colo. — Practically two weeks after two separate college shootings in Aurora, metropolis officers and neighborhood members got here collectively for a prayer vigil at Nome Park. It is the identical park the place six teenagers from Aurora Central Excessive College have been shot.
RELATED: Aurora Public Faculties closes campuses throughout lunch break following shootings
Saturday was the second time an try had been made to convey peace. The primary was a Peace March, set to happen simply minutes earlier than the capturing within the parking zone of Hinkley highschool.
RELATED: Two 15-year-old boys arrested in reference to Nome Park capturing that injured 6
This neighborhood is asking for power and understanding as they take care of what they name an “epidemic.”
“At this time, I simply need to pray for the house lives of those college students. I need to pray that their homes are a spot the place they’ll discover refuge and security and relaxation,” a pastor mentioned.
This neighborhood gathered with hopes of understanding the facility of prayer and the way it can resonate all through a neighborhood shaken by gun violence after 9 college students have been shot in every week.
“It is actually essential to do not forget that these weren’t college incidences. These have been violent issues that have been taking place in our neighborhood that basically seeped into our faculties. And we need to ensure that we handle all of the wants and points surrounding what’s taking place with our youngsters,” mentioned Aurora Public Faculties Superintendent Rico Munn.
Attending to the foundation of the issue is why Munn and others have been at this prayer vigil. Aurora Police Chief Vanessa Wilson was additionally entrance and middle.
“I feel it is wonderful that they heard a name to motion not simply from me however from different metropolis leaders, and for the individuals which might be residing this actuality of gun violence. And so they got here out in the present day, and so they got here out in pressure, and to hope and to say that they need to be a part of the answer,” mentioned Wilson.
She hopes those that got here out to deal with the issue will stick round to turn out to be a part of the answer.
“And I feel the answer is giving our youth a voice and listening to them and being there as mentors for them,” Wilson mentioned.
Time and time once more, Chief Wilson has requested for the general public’s assist. And he or she’s happy they’re getting it.
“The neighborhood is saying they hear us, and notice that we won’t do it alone and that the police division wants the neighborhood’s assist. Individuals can come out and discuss the discuss, however we want them to stroll the stroll. So that is what we’re hoping for. And we’re actually grateful this occurred right here in the present day,” Wilson mentioned.
Aurora Police and Aurora Public Faculties are implementing new ways that embody elevated psychological assist for college students, enhanced partnerships with Aurora Police, and no-off campus lunch for college students beginning Monday till Christmas Break.
“We love our youngsters. That is why we’re on this work is to guard our youngsters, see them have a profitable future. And to see them robbed of that whether or not it is by way of violence or different issues, it is extremely painful,” Munn mentioned.
RELATED: Two 15-year-old boys arrested in reference to Nome Park capturing that injured 6
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