Gun Buyback Prayer Walk

Community prayer walk promotes peace

By: Joangel Concepcion | WHEC.com (Click here for video version)
   
Enough is enough. That's what the Rochester community is saying after a week of violence in the city. Residents took their mission to the streets Saturday morning in hopes of reaching Rochester's youth.

Six people have been shot, two of them killed, and it's only the seventh day in September. This recent spike in violence began last Sunday when a man was shot on Resolute Street. On Wednesday two people were shot on Pullman Avenue. One of them died. The very next day there was another double shooting near Saratoga Avenue and Lyell Avenue. One person was wounded, the other killed. Friday night a man was shot in the back on Chili Avenue and Hobart Street.

Some local residents are demanding an end to the violence. They took to the streets Saturday morning to promote peace and change. The walk was not only to promote peace, but it was to help get guns out of the wrong hands. Rochester Police Chief James Sheppard says this is what he's been hoping for, getting the community together to help.

“Everything helps. Every little bit helps. The Rochester Police Department can't do it alone and  it's obvious we can't do it alone. Anyone who wants to help us, we're going to embrace their support. We're going to work with anyone who wants to work with us. At the end of the day we're going to get this done. I have tremendous faith,” said Chief Sheppard.

Chief Sheppard joined members of the community, including members of local churches, walking through neighborhoods and praying together, hoping for a better future. The Chief says it has been a rough few months and he's hoping this initiative will make teenagers think twice about going down the wrong path.

Supporters also promoted the city's gun buyback program. They are hoping the push will get guns off of the streets. One of the supporters knows firsthand about the recent violence His brother was the victim in Friday night's shooting on Chili Avenue. He says no family should go through what his family is going through.

“It touched home. With my neighborhood, it's been in my neighborhood, but now it's at my back door. So it's very important for me to get out here and spread the word that these young kids need to give these guns up because these kids don't know what they're doing. They have no idea the damage and destruction they are causing,” said Ray Bradley.

The next gun buyback will be at the end of this month. The Rochester Police Department is taking all guns in exchange for debit and gift cards, no questions asked. They are also collecting all ammunition. For more information on the buyback program, click here.