Community leaders continue to call for peace in Benton Harbor this summer

By: Jackie Bauer

Posted: Jun 11, 2025 8:23 PM EDT | Updated: Jun 11, 2025 8:37 PM EDT

NOW: Community leaders continue to call for peace in Benton Harbor this summer

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BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- As summer begins, Benton Harbor is confronting ongoing concerns over gun violence as The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety continues their investigation into a recent shooting at a high school graduation party that injured six people.

ABC57’s Jackie Bauer spoke with local leaders Wednesday afternoon on how they hope to promote peace across the community.

“We can not promote this type of behavior. We can not act like this is normal. We can not act like there is nothing going on. It’s going to take Benton Harbor, and major improvements,” said Mayor Pro-tem Duane Seats.

“We have an opportunity to reset, we have an opportunity to be a voice of reason for one another, we have an opportunity to put love first,” added Elnora Gavin the founder of Peace Day, who would like to see more investment in positive ways to keep teens busy.

Rather, than seeing the recent string of violence as a setback, Gavin and other local leaders see it as an opportunity for continued growth.

As the investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward by reaching out to (269) 443-1032 or 1-800-342-STOP (7867).

Any photos or videos from the party that can assist with the investigation can be shared here.

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