‘Moms Demand Action,’ South Bend Mayor react to Thursday morning shootings
SOUTH BEND, Ind. —- Four people are recovering after being shot early Thursday morning in South Bend.
According to the South Bend Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting on East Irvington Avenue on the city’s south side at 12:30 a.m. One hour later, officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert on South Meade Street near Newcome St.
People in the community said the shootings do not surprise them but they are struggling to find the words to express their frustration.
“Crazy, that’s just crazy,” said Robert Smith, who lives near the Meade St. shooting location.
In the daylight, you can see homes that were pierced by the bullets. Smith said people need to put the guns down.
“I think it’s getting outrageous for no reason shooting for nothing,” he said.
The department said the two shootings are not related. And as they continue to investigate a police official shared the following suspect descriptions:
- E. Irvington Ave. - police said they are looking for a dark SUV.
- S. Meade St. - police said they are looking for a black male.
The victims of the shooting, ranging from 35 years old to 18 years old, suffered minor, non-life threatening injuries.
South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg sent the following statement to ABC 57 News:
“Last night’s incidents are deeply troubling, and we will pursue all leads to see them to resolution. I urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement so we can prevent the next incident in the cycle of violence. Even as we respond to these incidents, our police department continues to build community ties to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
“It really goes to show that personally I believe it’s a national emergency,” said Anngi Lynch, local member of Moms Demand Action.
Lynch said she is saddened and disappointed with the shootings from this morning, but that she is not surprised.
“That’s when I focus on the good news, which is you know, there’s something we can do,” she said.
The national gun control advocate group reports 75 percent of non-fatal gun injuries are caused by assaults. On Friday, members and supporters are set to wear red to raise awareness of gun violence.
“We can make the changes necessary so that we can stop losing our children,” Lynch said.
On Sunday afternoon, the local ‘Moms Demand Action’ chapter will host a ‘Wear Orange Day’ event at the Charles Black Center from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Lynch said they will discuss the community-wide problem of gun violence.
Lynch said people looking to attend Sunday’s event should wear an orange shirt and just bring themselves.