Community wants meaningful change to end gun violence

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Community leaders are looking for meaningful and real solutions to end gun violence across the city.

A woman was shot to death in what police are calling a domestic dispute after getting off a Citilink bus just before 8 a.m. Wednesday near the intersection of East Pettit and Reed Street.

"What is happening now has to stop," said Jonathan Ray, CEO of the Fort Wayne Urban League.

As of Wednesday, 11 people have been shot and killed in Fort Wayne since the start of the year. Religious and organization leaders are pushing for community to get involved.

Activists want to get more involved with the youth. They said putting them in programs throughout the community can help with cutting down the violence. Another way is for the community to work with police and their investigations.

"We must turn in people that's committing these violent acts and assist the police," said Andre Patterson.

Mayor Tom Henry, for the city of Fort Wayne, said he's working with local agencies to find some solutions that will work. He was in Indianapolis this past week speaking with the Drug Enforcement Agency as well as other mayors. He said from that meeting, he realizes that drugs and gangs are the most common reasons for gun violence in communities. Henry said the community and police must work together because it's been proven that it works.

"In almost every case where we have solved a crime, it has been a result of the community helping us," he said.

There will be a community meeting at the Fort Wayne Urban League at 2135 South Hanna Street on Friday at 6 p.m. This meeting is open to the public.