Protestors take part in a rally of Moms against gun violence calling for Federal Background Checks on August 18, 2019, in New York City. | Source: JOHANNES EISELE / Getty
Over the last year, President Joe Biden has taken a number of measures to address the scourge of gun violence in our country. He proposed an investment of $5 billion over 8 years in community violence intervention efforts, identified 26 existing federal grant programs that would be eligible for helping to combat gun violence, and proposed several new rules for regulating the gun industry—the most recent of which was this week’s announcement of new rules regulating the proliferation of “ghost guns” which are largely untraceable, self-assembled firearms.
Unfortunately, the most consequential of these measures—the historic $5 billion investment—has stalled in Congress right at a time when the U.S. is experiencing the highest number of shootings in over 20 years. These dollars would fund proven community-based interventions that have reduced shootings and homicides in cities by 30-60% — efforts that have never received the type of robust federal support that could help bring them to scale across the country.
As Congress continues to debate whether Black and Brown communities—those most impacted by the epidemic of gun violence—are worthy of these types of investments, there are immediate steps that cities, counties, and states can take at this moment. In coalition with over a hundred local and national gun violence prevention organizations around the country, we urged the White House to take several critical steps to fund peace in our cities including making American Rescue Plan (ARP) dollars eligible for supporting community-based violence intervention work. To its credit, the White House did just that and advised local jurisdictions that portions of the $350 billion in funds going directly to city, county, and state governments could be used to implement evidence-based programs to address community violence.
An Airbnb apartment rental in Pittsburgh is shown the morning after a shooting there on April 16, 2022, left two people dead and nine injured. | Source: Jeff Swensen / Getty
Gun violence is a public health crisis that demands public health solutions. The most effective anti-violence efforts narrowly address the tiny fraction of individuals in any given city that are most at risk for shooting or being shot and build comprehensive sets of interventions that address the root causes of violence in their lives. Effective efforts provide a range of wraparound services for these individuals including cognitive behavioral therapy, job training and placement, emergency housing, conflict mediation, and a range of survivor and victim services. Of the cities that attempt this work, most try to get away with doing it on the cheap, even while ramping up major investments in police (who are primarily tasked with solving shootings after they occur rather than preventing them from happening in the first place).
Several studies have shown that only about 0.2% of a city’s population is at high risk for shooting or being shot and efforts that include a comprehensive set of wraparound services typically cost about $20,000 – 25,000 per program participant. This means that a city like Detroit with a population of about 675,000 should probably be spending at least $28 million a year on community violence intervention services. This may seem like a lot until one realizes that the taxpayer cost of a single nonfatal shooting in Detroit is over $1 million (and up to $3 million for a fatal shooting with two suspects). With 323 homicides and 1,065 nonfatal shootings in 2021, taxpayers are easily paying well over $1 billion for gun violence in Detroit. An investment of $28 million would pay for itself many times over.
Frank James, 62, suspected of opening fire in a crowded New York City subway station has been taken into custody and charged with a terror-related offense. | Source: Anadolu Agency / Getty
The city of Detroit is instructive because it is one of 16 cities selected by the White House as part of its Community Violence Intervention Collaborative, an 18-month initiative to “scale and strengthen” effective intervention efforts. Despite receiving privately supported technical assistance in order to help refine and scale up its efforts, the City of Detroit has yet to make any public commitments to using ARP funds to scale up its efforts since the initiative was first announced almost a year ago.
But Detroit is not alone. Additional cities participating in the White House collaborative have failed to make public commitments of funding and recent reporting confirms that big cities in California and around the country have spent large portions of their ARP funds on policing rather than on addressing the psychological, medical, and economic concerns of the low-income Black and Brown residents most impacted by the pandemic.
For frontline violence interventionists, the families of the victims, and those who are in the line of fire every single day, the continued lack of investment in proven strategies—even when cities have millions of additional federal dollars on the table—is maddening.
Scene outside Columbiana Centre mall after a shooting incident on Saturday, April 16, 2022, in Columbia, South Carolina. | Source: The State / Getty
Mayors, county administrators, and governors—Democrats and Republicans alike—are quick to stand at a podium and decry the scourge of gun violence after a shooting. But making pronouncements at a press conference is different from making investments. In his Pulitzer-winning book, “Locking Up Our Own,” James Forman, Jr. shares the history of how even Black politicians got swept up into the “tough on crime” ethos of the 1990s and helped fuel the mass incarceration of millions of Americans.
Since then, we have learned a tremendous amount about what does and does not work in reducing violence, but despite widespread support for alternatives, many politicians continue to echo the destructive rhetoric and policies of the past. A poll of likely 2022 voters demonstrated widespread support for investments in community violence intervention across party lines (including two-thirds of gun owners and NRA members) which suggests that the public is ready to support substantive investments in public health approaches. At this point, it’s up to politicians to learn from the failures of the past and make real investments in bringing peace to our cities.
Pastor Michael McBride is the founder and executive director of LIVE FREE. Dr. Antonio Cediel is the managing director of LIVE FREE. The organization works to end gun violence, mass incarceration and the death penalty.
SEE ALSO:
Shooting At South Carolina Mall Results In 12 People Injured Ahead Of Easter Holiday
125 Black Men And Boys Killed By Police
1. Irvin D. Moorer Charley
Today, the family and attorneys of Irvin D. Moorer-Charley spoke about the fatal officer-involved incident that took his life. I’ll have more on the story later today on @USCCarolinaNews at 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. pic.twitter.com/eToTEzdl7p
— Makayla Evans (@MakaylaEvans21) March 23, 2022
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3. Kokou Christopher Fiafonou
Source:Kossi Adayi
3 of 123
4. Alhaji M. Sow
Source:iOne Digital
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6. Andra Murphy
NEWS ALERT: @AttorneyCrump has released a statement and been retained by the family of Andra Murphy, a Black man who was shot and killed by Bolivar police officers outside of the Hardeman County Justice Complex on the morning of Oct. 6. pic.twitter.com/YegHc56xhn
— Ben Crump Law, PLLC (@BenCrumpLaw) October 20, 2021
6 of 123
7. George Watson
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8. Antwan Gilmore
This is 27 year old Antwan Gilmore. He was killed YESTERDAY by DC police. The cop found him asleep in his car, tapped on the window, and immediately fired multiple shots and killed him. pic.twitter.com/cYUgNuR47m
— Olayemi Olurin (@msolurin) August 27, 2021
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11. Ryan LeRoux, 21
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12. Leneal Frazier, 40
Source:Getty
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13. Demetrius Stanley, 31
Demetrius Stanley was murdered by plain clothes police officers two nights ago. They came in an unmarked van and were stalking the outside of Demetrius’ family home. He went outside to check and they shot him from inside their car. They never ID themselves. #ripmeech#blackpower pic.twitter.com/qYL1GHNsho
— B.L.A.C.K. Outreach (@blackoutreachsj) June 2, 2021
13 of 123
14. Ashton Pinke, 27
27-year old Ashton Pinke was shot-and-killed by Mesquite Police Department officers, today. Investigators report he charged with a “knife and a club” following a 911 hang-up call by a screaming woman. Family members question the report. Our full story airs on @FOX4 at 9/10. pic.twitter.com/SD2AAK76p3
— David Sentendrey (@DavidSFOX4) May 5, 2021
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15. Andrew Brown, 42
BREAKING: The man fatally shot by a deputy today in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, was Andrew Brown.
Deputies were serving a search warrant when Brown was shot while driving away, witnesses say.
Neighbors say they heard anywhere from 6 to 8 shots. https://t.co/w7dyIQ5zdX
— WAVY TV 10 (@WAVY_News) April 21, 2021
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16. Matthew Williams, 35
At 5 @wsbtv: the family of 35 year old Matthew Williams are demanding that body camera footage of his shooting death be released. Dekalb police shot & killed Williams at his home Monday. They say he lunged at officers with a knife. Family say he was running away from officers pic.twitter.com/Ky4ssoYTFp
— Justin Gray (@JustinGrayWSB) April 14, 2021
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17. Daunte Wright, 20
Source:Twitter/@MeritLaw
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18. Marvin D. Scott III, 26
Source:GoFundMe
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19. Kurt Reinhold, 42
Source:Getty
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20. McHale Rose, 19
JUSTICE FOR MCHALE ROSE!
Mchale was killed by 4 officers within hours of the killing of Dreasjon Reed. Because of this, his story has gotten clouded and we need awareness! Mchale was a personal friend of mine and the sweetest boy ever. He & his family deserve justice! pic.twitter.com/SutjQn4fjy— Hustle House (@hustlehousellc) August 6, 2020
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21. Xzavier Hill, 18
Xzavier Hill’s family deserves justice. Virginia laws do not require the VSP to release footage, nor to wear body cameras. He was 18, and his whole life was ahead of him.
NAACP: Justice For Xzavier – Sign the Petition! https://t.co/a30fgNP9mk via @Change
— melanie (@smellllanie) January 19, 2021
Source:Change.org
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22. Frederick Cox, 18
Source:Facebook/Tenicka Shannon
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23. Patrick Warren Sr.
Source:Patrick Warren Jr.
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24. Carl Dorsey III, 39
Man shot to death in Police involved shooting in Newark is identified as 39 year old Carl Dorsey III. https://t.co/hdtmb6w0Il
— The Tornado News (@TheTornadoNews) January 6, 2021
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25. Dolal Idd, 23
Source:GoFundMe
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26. Andre’ Hill, 47
An attorney who has represented the families of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor says he is now working for the family of Andre’ Hill, the man killed by a Columbus police officer early Tuesday.https://t.co/9yXaqYKHfu
— NBC4 Columbus (@nbc4i) December 24, 2020
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27. Joshua Feast
Joshua Feast was fatally shot in the BACK by La Marque PD officer Jose Santos as he was running away, posing no threat. Witnesses report Santos refused to render aid to Joshua after shooting him AND then kicked his body, already debilitated by the bullet. #JusticeForJoshuaFeast pic.twitter.com/zO46PCsGzO
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) December 12, 2020
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28. Maurice Gordon
Source:Mercury LLC
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29. Casey Goodson Jr.
Source:Walton + Brown, LLP
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30. Rodney Applewhite
Source:Ben Crump
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34. Marcellis Stinnette, teen killed by police in Waukegan, Illinois
Source:Twitter
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35. Jonathan Price
The Texas police officer who fatally shot Jonathan Price has been arrested and charged with murder. His bail has been set at 1 million dollars. I’m glad. RIP Jonathan, rest in power. pic.twitter.com/Mw5GMQX0Eb
— ~𝓣𝓮𝓷𝓪𝓬𝓲𝓸𝓾𝓼 𝓣𝓮𝓪𝓱~ (@TeahCartel) October 6, 2020
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37. Daniel Prude
The killing of Daniel Prude by Rochester police officers is unacceptable, and we need real answers for why this happened and why it took so long to come out.
Trained medical professionals should respond to mental health crises, not armed officers. pic.twitter.com/EPhH9inn1x
— Jeremy Cooney (@JeremyCooneyROC) September 2, 2020
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38. Damian Daniels
Yesterday in SA cops killed Sergeant Damian Lamar Daniels in front of his home. His family asked the Red Cross to get him to the VA.
He had a legal gun on his hip that he never removed. He didn’t want to go and he struggled when they tried to force him.
So they killed him. pic.twitter.com/q6U7OSXb6D
— Lee Merritt (@MerrittForTexas) August 27, 2020
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39. Dijon Kizzee
This is #DijonKizzee, 29 yrs old and shot and killed by LA Sheriffs after being stopped for a bike violation. Cops handcuffed his lifeless body. While police investigations can drag on for months/years, cops have already claimed he ran away, and dropped clothes and a gun. #BLM pic.twitter.com/pM6mQfWLeQ
— Kristen Clarke (@KristenClarkeJD) September 1, 2020
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40. Trayford Pellerin
Source:GoFundMe
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41. David McAtee
in an attempt to disperse crowds, #DavidMcAtee, a louisville bbq chef known for serving cops free meals, was shot and killed by the police last night. he was unarmed. not only were the officers’ bodycams off, but they also left his body on the street for 12 hours.
say his name. pic.twitter.com/kqOPku8iuQ— adaliah 🇹🇬 (@adxlls) June 2, 2020
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42. Natosha “Tony” McDade
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45. Finan H. Berhe
Montgomery County Police Tweet Video Of Cop Shooting Finan H. Berhe In Maryland https://t.co/HzNV24ZpZB
— The Bishop Speaks (@JMcCorrySpeaks) May 9, 2020
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46. Sean Reed
Source:Twitter
46 of 123
47. Steven Demarco Taylor
Source:S. Lee Merritt
47 of 123
48. Ariane McCree
Source:The Herald/YouTube
48 of 123
50. Miles Hall
Source:KRON4
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51. Darius Tarver
Source:S. Lee Merritt
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52. William Green
They murdered my cousin. How do you have someone in handcuffs and in a seat belt and shoot them multilpe times.All cops aren’t bad but those were. I will fight with the last breath in me for justice. William Green was a family man, a working man. Funny. Loving. Love and miss you. pic.twitter.com/PhM3a6C7uj
— Liv 👸🏾 (@liv__03) January 28, 2020
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53. Samuel David Mallard, 19
This is a 2019 mugshot of the murder suspect Cobb police shot & killed today. Samuel Mallard, 19, was previously arrested for impersonating officers a half dozen times. In the 2020 case, the GBI says he’s involved in a murder/robbery. CCPD says there are other suspects. @wsbtv https://t.co/7EfuVQLmNB pic.twitter.com/ttWg5HjFkj
— Chris Jose (@ChrisJoseTV) January 17, 2020
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54. Kwame “KK” Jones, 17
Source:facebook
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57. Anthony Hill, 26
Former Officer Robert Olsen killed Anthony Hill over four years ago and was finally convicted (not of murder). Will get get the Amber Guyger treatment? #AnthonyHillhttps://t.co/HZVf3tOEOL
— NewsOne (@newsone) October 25, 2019
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58. De’Von Bailey, 19
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59. Eric Logan, 54
BREAKING NEWS OUT OF SOUTH BEND:
Two lawyers representing the estate of 54-year-old Eric Logan, who was shot and killed by a South Bend police officer, have sued that officer, Sgt. Ryan O’Neill and Mayor Pete Buttigieg.
The suit was filed in federal court today.
(READ THREAD) pic.twitter.com/frOpKFQIAV
— Joshua Short (@JoshuaShortTV) June 27, 2019
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61. Gregory Hill Jr., 30
Gregory Hill, Jr. – the family of Greg Hill grants permission to use these photos to honor Greg or tell his story. pic.twitter.com/uhn1RbEQBv
— John M. Phillips (@JohnPhillips) June 1, 2018
61 of 123
62. JaQuavion Slaton, 20
This is Jaquavion Slaton, the 20-year-old who was was shot & killed by Fort Worth Police on Sunday. Community demanding release of body camera video, but FWPD hasn’t said when/if that will happen. #WFAA pic.twitter.com/iakQyWrRCl
— Teresa Woodard (@twoodard8) June 10, 2019
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63. Ryan Twyman, 24
63 of 123
64. Brandon Webber, 20
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65. Jimmy Atchison, 21
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66. Willie McCoy, 20
One of six officers who fired at Willie McCoy had killed unarmed man in 2018 || Via: Guardian https://t.co/CjrSIa8r1Z
— SafetyPin-Daily (@SafetyPinDaily) February 23, 2019
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67. Emantic “EJ” Fitzgerald Bradford Jr., 21
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69. Jemel Roberson, 26
Security guard Jemel Roberson was holding down a shooting suspect when police burst in and shot Roberson instead. pic.twitter.com/zNsYvQMRg8
— HuffPost (@HuffPost) November 14, 2018
Source:false
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72. Antwon Rose Jr., 17
Source:false
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73. Robert Lawrence White, 41
Source:false
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74. Anthony Lamar Smith, 24
Source:Getty
74 of 123
75. Ramarley Graham, 18
Source:Getty
75 of 123
76. Manuel Loggins Jr., 31
Source:Getty
76 of 123
77. Trayvon Martin, 17
Source:Getty
77 of 123
78. Wendell Allen, 20
Source:Getty
78 of 123
79. Kendrec McDade, 19
Source:Getty
79 of 123
80. Larry Jackson Jr., 32
Source:Getty
80 of 123
81. Jonathan Ferrell, 24
Source:Getty
81 of 123
82. Jordan Baker, 26
Source:Getty
82 of 123
83. Victor White lll, 22
Source:Getty
83 of 123
84. Dontre Hamilton, 31
Source:Getty
84 of 123
85. Eric Garner, 43
Source:Getty
85 of 123
86. John Crawford lll, 22
Source:Getty
86 of 123
87. Michael Brown, 18
Source:Getty
87 of 123
88. Ezell Ford, 25
Source:Getty
88 of 123
89. Dante Parker, 36
Source:Getty
89 of 123
90. Kajieme Powell, 25
Source:Getty
90 of 123
91. Laquan McDonald, 17
Source:Getty
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92. Akai Gurley, 28
Source:Getty
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93. Tamir Rice, 12
Source:Getty
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94. Rumain Brisbon, 34
Source:Getty
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95. Jerame Reid, 36
Source:Getty
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96. Charly Keunang, 43
Source:Getty
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97. Tony Robinson, 19
Source:Getty
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98. Walter Scott, 50
Source:Getty
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99. Freddie Gray, 25
Source:Getty
99 of 123
100. Brendon Glenn, 29
Source:Getty
100 of 123
101. Samuel DuBose, 43
Source:Getty
101 of 123
102. Christian Taylor, 19
Source:Getty
102 of 123
103. Jamar Clark, 24
Source:Getty
103 of 123
104. Mario Woods, 26
Source:Getty
104 of 123
105. Quintonio LeGrier, 19
Source:Getty
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106. Gregory Gunn, 58
Source:Getty
106 of 123
107. Akiel Denkins, 24
Source:Getty
107 of 123
108. Alton Sterling, 37
Source:Getty
108 of 123
109. Philando Castile, 32
Source:Getty
109 of 123
110. Terrence Sterling, 31
Source:Getty
110 of 123
111. Terence Crutcher, 40
Source:Getty
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112. Keith Lamont Scott, 43
Source:Getty
112 of 123
113. Alfred Olango, 38
Source:Getty
113 of 123
114. Jordan Edwards, 15
Source:Getty
114 of 123
116. Danny Ray Thomas, 34
Source:false
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118. Patrick Harmon, 50
Patrick Harmon was shot and killed by police in Salt Lake City, Utah. The district attorney says the shooting was “legally justified.” pic.twitter.com/zYBOwlTzRb
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 7, 2017
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120. Maurice Granton, 24
Dash cam footage of police killing Maurice Granton Jr. has been released. His family says it proves that he was unarmed pic.twitter.com/YLAM7my1ny
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) July 26, 2018
120 of 123
121. Julius Johnson, 23
121 of 123
122. Jamee Johnson, 22
Source:S. Lee Merritt
122 of 123
123. Michael Dean, 28
Source:S. Lee Merritt
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OP-ED: Gun Violence Crisis Demands Public Health Solutions
was originally published on
newsone.com