JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Local lawmakers had words on Monday about the violent crime in Jacksonville and what people need to do and stressed they should work with the sheriff.
Simmons Johnson Park in the Moncrief area is where this latest homicide happened and the fact that someone was shot at a park where children play has people here wondering what really can be done to protect communities.
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On Sunday night, police worked the crime scene where a man was found shot in the road and later died at the hospital.
On Monday the markings and signs of the crime were still up but the real impact is felt with those who live nearby.
“When you wake up every day, and gods give you, you know, blessing the wake up, and then you have in your neighborhood and it’s keep coming closer and closer. It’s like it’s coming to your door. And it’s happening and we not we don’t want our kids to just keep dying. It could have been a lot of kids out there,” said resident Irvin Williams.
People in the area said they’re worried and it’s hard to know what to do. Lawmakers said they are trying to bring change.
During a virtual news conference, State Representative Angie Nixon (D) laid it out.
“And so we are, we are asking for all elected officials to come to the table to have some really deep intentional and strategic conversations about how we’re going to change this, you know, I’m tired of talking. But like we really have to come together and throw out the political division that’s been occurring in our city for so long,” Nixon said. “Because again, we have babies that are dying.”
Children are getting a hold of guns and young teens using them during everyday events. Katie Hathaway was speaking out for parents during that news conference. She is a member of Moms Demand Action.
“These are not accidents. These are preventable tragedies with responsible gun ownership and secure storage. I am outraged watching children at my son’s high school flee for fear of their lives at a high school football game just two weeks ago,” Hathaway said.
In the past week, News4JAX has heard from many at crime scenes that some type of gun legislation needs to take place. They have said too many young people are getting a hold of guns.
“We’re trying to understand the root of the problem. It’s complete, and unrestricted access to guns,” said State Senator Tracie Davis (D).
Both Davis and Nixon said they heard when the sheriff lashed out that local leaders need to speak, something they said they have been doing. They plan to meet behind closed doors with Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters very soon and hold a community online meeting next week.