Local organization marches in Charlotte protesting violence against children

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Demonstrators said they have had enough of all the violence in Charlotte, specifically violence against children.

On Saturday, the organization Heavy Hearts marched through the Grier Heights Community. They said something needs to change soon before more innocent young lives are lost.

“There should be an outcry, screaming,” said demonstrator Lucille Puckett.

Several children have been shot in the last month. And Wednesday, a 5-year-old was killed. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said Amani Barringer was accidentally shot by a teenage boy.

“We need gun locks. We need gun control. We need people to be more responsible on where they leave their guns,” said Puckett.

The organization Stop Killing Our Children said the rising violence in Charlotte needs to be addressed, as the violence has continued during the pandemic.

It asked the community to turn their porch lights on at 6 p.m.

City leaders renewing efforts to combat rising levels of violence across Charlotte

“We are asking city council, county commissioners, everyone that’s involved locally to step up, and let’s put a plan together,” said Puckett.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden joined in the march as well and took part in the discussion about solutions.

“I would challenge the elected officials to come out more,” McFadden said.

Those marching want to prevent more families from having to bury their children.

“My heart goes out to them. I hurt so bad,” McFadden said.

Cox Media Group