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Community gathers in wake of increased gun violence in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating multiple shootings including, two homicides.

This increase in shootings comes in the wake of community members calling for an end to gun violence in the city.

Channel 9′s Glenn Counts spoke with city leaders about how they plan to decrease shooting incidents.

Within the last 18 hours, there have been two murders and at least three people have been shot in Charlotte, according to police.

This violence has caught the attention of community members, who gathered on Southwest Boulevard in remembrance of a 14-year-old who was murdered on Thursday.

Attendees told Counts that the murder of someone so young was a punch in the gut.

“I want people to stop being afraid,” community leader Cedric Dean said. “It’s the same person that you would see in your house. That’s your nephew, your little cousin, your son, your grandson.”

Residents said the rally was a call to action for the community to take steps toward fighting gun violence.

Rev. James Barnett with Stop the Killing told Channel 9 that he feels like it’s time for people to get off the sidelines.

“You don’t have to be the front-line soldier. You can find a place. Everybody needs to be doing something. You may be tutoring children or just out in the community helping to clean up,” Barnett said.

County Commissioner Pat Cotham, who attended the event, expressed similar sentiments.

“I think there is more we can do. And I would also challenge our state — it certainly is to their advantage, especially for economic development. Are we going to attract more business to Charlotte if we allow this crime, if neighborhoods don’t look good?” Cotham said.

(WATCH BELOW: Biden signs gun violence legislation passed by Congress)