‘It’s terrifying’: Bessemer residents call for an end to gun violence after rapid shootings

BESSEMER, Ala. ( WIAT ) – From Friday night to Monday night, 10 people in Bessemer were shot with three victims dying from their injuries.

The Bessemer community is reeling after a violent weekend. Some say they are “overly concerned” with the level of violence happening in a place they love and cherish.

“Father, that you would restore peace, that you would restore love. Father, that you would give us wisdom and guidance, that you would help us to navigate through these dark times,” a local preacher prayed over Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Bessemer Police are calling on the community to speak up as they continue to look for two more persons of interest in Friday night’s triple homicide. Police announced a second arrest in that triple homicide Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s terrifying,” lifelong Bessemer resident Nancy Wright said. “Although I’ve been a lifetime resident, I’m strongly considering relocating.”

Wright loves her community and doesn’t want to leave but feels like the violence is reaching a level where she has to move to stay safe.

“It’s out of hand. It’s totally out of control,” Wright said.

Wright says this isn’t the first time she’s been overly concerned for her community.

“So here we are, I guess starting a repeat performance. I pray not,” Wright said. “Something has to be done about it. It’s a game with some of these people. As if they’re playing video games or something. As if they are expect for the person that they killed to get back up.”

Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley says he’s not seen a more violent or tragic weekend in the last 30 years. He says retaliation is a cycle that never stops and one where everyone loses.

“I implore everyone affected by these wicked and evil acts to dial back your emotions and take a moment to think about your choices and how they affect your family, friends and neighbors,” Gulley said.

Bessemer City Councilor Chester Porter says many people on social media are calling for the city to do something to combat gun violence but he says the responsibility to keep children in line falls on the parents.

“The parents have got to be proactive. The parents have got to do their job as a parent. Check their kid’s room, check and see what they’re doing at all times,” Porter said. “Oftentimes, a parent knows exactly what their kids are doing but they don’t want to address it.”

Bessemer Police say the investigations into all three of the shootings are ongoing. Jefferson County Bessemer Cutoff District Attorney Lynneice Washington says when the suspects are caught, they will be prosecuted aggressively to bring justice to the families.

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