Fort Worth shooting: Como neighborhood leaders call for changes during emergency meeting
FORT WORTH, Texas - Faith and community leaders in Fort Worth’s Como neighborhood held what they called an "emergency meeting" following a shooting that left three people dead and eight others injured.
During the meeting at Como First Baptist Church, leaders expressed their frustration and emotion while making a passionate plea for calm.
"There's not enough money in anybody’s budget to buy your way out of this crisis. It’s a nationwide crisis!" said Tarrant County Commissioner Roy Brooks.
Dozens filled the sanctuary to listen to thetwo-hour long meeting that gave voice to many concerns about gun violence, what it stems from and how to get through to young people who have a blatant disregard for the value of lives.
Police say more than one shooter fired shots into a large crowd gathered after a Como community July 4th celebration Monday night.
22-year-old Cynthia Santos, 18-year-old Paul Willis and 18-year-old Gabriella Navarrete were all killed.
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3 people are dead and 8 others are injured after a shooting Monday night in Fort Worth's Como neighborhood.
8 others were wounded, but the suspects have not been identified.
Malik Austin was commended for shielding many event goers and helping them get to safety.
"We didn’t know where the shooting was coming from because they were hitting from every direction," said Austin.
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Fort Worth police are still trying to figure out who shot 11 people, killing three of them, at a block party in the Como neighborhood Monday night. Plus, community leaders have planned an emergency meeting to talk about the crisis of mental health and gun violence in the city's black communities.
Some say the shooting underscores a strained relationship between police and Black communities.
"If we had a trusted relationship with our police department then we could sit down with the police, the brothers on the street and come up with a solution that is in the best interest of the Black community," said Reverend Kyev Tatum.
Fort Worth Shooting: 3 dead, 8 injured in Como neighborhood, police say
Video from the gathering shows crowds of people running from gunshots in Fort Worth's Como neighborhood.
Others pointed toward a lack of economic resources in minority neighborhoods and a decline in mental health outreach and services.
"I’ve been in Como 68 years, and we’ve had our ups, and we’ve had our downs, but we always find a way to get back on solid ground," said Rev. Floyd Brooks.
Police Chief Neil Noakes came to listen and was one of the final voices heard.
"It will be all of us working together, all of us making decisions. The community involved, the community helping decide exactly where dollars need to go, where support needs to be and where in your community you need the most assistance," he said. "This won’t change overnight, but ladies and gentlemen it can change."
It was suggested that the formation of a task force to address the issue of gun violence, which would welcome outside help from others in cities and states who are dealing with the same issue.
Fort Worth police are still trying to identify the gunman or gunmen. They are also looking to find a reason behind the shooting.