Annual charity ride rescheduled after recent violence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A community group that works to prevent violence in Charlotte has moved up their annual fundraising event in response to the recent deadly shootings.

The annual Team Trublue Stop the Violence charity ride was scheduled for the last week of September, but organizer Will Adams said he felt the need to move the event so the community can come together after a violent Labor Day weekend. He has been out in the community and has spoken with the families affected by the violence.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said 12 people were shot and five people died over the weekend. The youngest victim was a 7-year-old boy.

CMPD officers have linked the shootings to gang activity.

The event will now be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at 200 French St.

Riders will be escorted by CMPD and the proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing Christmas presents for underprivileged children.

Related coverage:

• CMPD Chief: 'Gang-like behavior' behind weekend violence
• 1 dead after second shooting near where child was killed
• Family mourns after 7-year-old boy fatally shot in Charlotte

WSOC