As violent crime in Minneapolis continues to skyrocket, three young children were shot over the course of ten days. Prominent government officials have made no official statement regarding the violence that sent La’Davionne (10), Trinity (9), and Aniya (6) to the hospital in critical condition.
Aniya died in the hospital of her injuries on Wednesday, May 19th. The other two remain hospitalized.
The family members of all of the children held a press conference on Sunday, asking for assistance in finding those responsible for the shootings. “It’s been too many days and they’re still out here,” K.G. Wilson said regarding those who fatally shot his granddaughter, Aniya. Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo echoed that sentiment in his statement. “These families should not have to go another night without knowing that we’ve got the persons responsible for harming our babies — because they’re all of our children.”
Many Minnesota residents have expressed anger at the lack of action from Minnesota lawmakers, specifically Governor Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN). A Conservative group called Hold the Line Minnesota said that the lack of response from government officials shows that they do not really care about “ALL black lives.” Hold the Line Minnesota went on to condemn Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for his silence regarding the violence saying “those same emotions [experienced regarding the death of George Floyd] seem to not exist when it comes to three kids being shot in the head, killing one and leaving two fighting for their lives.”
Hold The Line Minnesota called on the elected Republican officials to “fill this painfully obvious void” and to work to assist the Minneapolis community.
Becky Strohmeier, the President of Hold The Line Minnesota told The Minnesota Sun: “I’ve been deeply saddened by the Gang Violence that has critically injured two children and killed one in Minneapolis. While lawmakers grandstand over the one year anniversary of George Floyds death, I’m disturbed by their lack of vocal support for a community that is grieving for these children. This isn’t about enacting laws or passing legislation – we already have that. It’s already illegal to shoot people in the head. This is about standing strong with the Community and doing what they need us to do to support them. Whether it’s spreading their message or walking the streets of North Minneapolis, we have to do better at listening and offering support with no strings attached. There are many wonderful non-profit organizations with boots on the ground day and night. We need to stand with them and work together to stop the Gang Violence that is plaguing their neighborhoods.”
Several local businesses have banded together to offer a total of $30,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the shootings of the three children.
Anyone with information on the shootings is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
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Hayley Tschetter is a reporter with The Minnesota Sun | Star News Network and The College Fix. She graduated with a degree in Communications from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. Send news tips to [email protected].
Photo “La’Davionne, Trinity, and Aniya” by Hold The Line Minnesota and “Penn Avenue North” is by Tony Webster CC2.0.
