Leaders call on everyone to mobilize after weekend mass shooting

CINCINNATI — A mass shooting at a tri-state park over the weekend has sparked another urgent call to curb the violence.

Five people were shot in Bramble Park in broad daylight Saturday.

“Everyone started running up the hill,” said D’Shawnti Hawkins, who was selling shoes in the park during the crowded community event.

Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge issued a warning Sunday, urging everyone to get involved in fighting violence this summer.

“This problem will not be solved by the police alone,” she said. “Our police force is understaffed and extremely tired now, and summer is just beginning.”

RELATED | Community leaders discuss solutions after shooting injures five people at Madisonville Park

Neighborhood community councils have focused on violence prevention for years.

“I think if you get the community involved, you'll eliminate some of the problems that we're seeing,” said Sandra Jones Mitchell, president of the Avondale Community Council.

Jones Mitchell said Avondale has focused on building its youth council and better connecting that council with various community partners.

“I think if we continue to engage in what is good, we will get rid of the bad,” she said.

Community council representatives from Cincinnati neighborhoods say they can't solve the problem alone. Leaders say everyone has a role to play.

“I will tell everyone to pick a topic that you are passionate about and work from there,” Jones Mitchell said.

Madisonville Community Council President Kate Botos said the work starts simply with the presentation.

“Violence does not and cannot win,” she said. “We must be present in our neighborhoods. »

On Tuesday, the Madisonville Community Council will host an event at Bramble Park.

“Tomorrow will be like every other Tuesday,” Botos said.

Botos said she hopes to have mental health resources at the event for children who may have suffered from Saturday's shooting.

She said one of the goals of these events is to keep public spaces engaged to keep them safe for everyone to enjoy.

“For us, putting on events is showing everyone that we can have events and be really cordial with everyone and really have fun,” said Damir Gooch, who organized Saturday's event.

As for Saturday's shooting, police are still seeking information on possible suspects. If you know anything, contact the police.