'Our babies are getting shot': DC leaders call for ceasefire amid child-involved shootings
WASHINGTON, DC (7News) — Members of D.C.'s Ward 4 are calling for a ceasefire after two recent incidents where three children nine and younger were caught in the crossfire.
D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George stood with community leaders and violence interrupters Friday to call out the behavior that is hurting the innocent.
She said the majority of the area's shootings have come from conflict between neighborhood crews and gangs that she said often start online.
VIDEO: Suspects wanted in shooting of 6 and 9-year-old getting off Metrobus in NW DC
She said that could include a shooting Wednesday where a 6-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy were shot getting off a Metrobus where a brawl had broken out.
"In broad daylight, on a bus headed home with their grandmother and mother," Lewis George said.
She said she also spoke with the family of an 8-year old who was shot on Georgia Street.
"(He's) incredibly brave, but incredibly traumatized and scared," she said. "Every time he hears a noise he gets frightened and afraid."
READ ALSO: 'Such a reckless act': Man dead, child among wounded in quadruple shooting in NW DC
Community leaders said they have had enough, warning those who would commit violence that it only leads to death or jail.
They said there is a third option through the city's resources that provide jobs, training, support, and mentoring.
"If you need a space to call home, we are here and ready to fight with you and for you to make your life conditions better," Lewis George said.
"We're not giving anyone excuses. We're here to embrace you. But you got to make a change. Killing and shooting in our neighborhoods is unacceptable. Especially when our babies are getting shot and some killed."
