Community Leaders Call For Summit To Address Gun Violence, Stop-And-Frisk
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Controversial comments made by Police Commissioner Kelly regarding gun violence in the city have prompted community leaders to call for a summit.
Seventy-seven New Yorkers were shot over the course of the 4th of July holiday, including a three-year-old who was hit by a stray bullet while playing in a sprinkler.
Residents told CBS 2's Dick Brennan that it is time for the community to rally against gun violence.
"I think it's important for the community to get together," said Dashawn Williams.
Reverend Al Sharpton has called for a summit to address issues like stop-and-frisk, and gun violence.
"If everybody got together to get a better way for both issues," said Walik Eason of Far Rockaway.
The community has spoken up in the wake of comments by Commissioner Kelly that critics of stop-and-frisk should take a stand against gun violence.
"I haven't heard any outcry, there should be outrage. They're all too willing to talk about the other issues, but I think are shockingly silent about the level of violence right in their own communities," he said.
Instead, members of the community were outraged by the Commissioner's comments.
"Police Commissioner Kelly's comments were disgusting," said Eric Adams.
Reverend Sharpton said he planned to call out certain artists who glorify gunplay in the their work.
Police Commissioner Kelly released a statement saying that he was optimistic about what the summit could achieve.
"We have worked with Reverend Sharpton in the past on the scourge of gun violence, and look forward to doing so again. We should also extend the invitation to the five District Attorneys," he said.
Reverend Sharpton said that while nothing had been scheduled yet, he looked forward to holding one in the near future.
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