Volunteers outside Dallas Police Headquarters demand actions to end gun violence in their neighborhoods.
DALLAS — There is a reason why they wear orange.
“It’s also a color that shows the dignity of human life,” said Miriam Sharma, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
It is a value Miriam Sharm takes seriously as a mother, nurse, and volunteer for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. She and other volunteers outside Dallas Police Headquarters have been working to end gun violence.
“What are we going to de as a country to finally say enough is enough. 125 people die in the United States of America on average every day,” said Sharma.
On the heels of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, they were clouded by exactly what they’re fighting against. Less than three miles away, DPD responded to a shooting on Malcolm X Boulevard and Lenway Street in South Dallas.
Residents said there have been fights every night this week. However, on Thursday night residents said a fight started, and shortly after, someone drove by shooting a gun at the crowd. Police said seven people were injured, with two in critical condition.
“Those seven people injured last night. They’ve got, you know, their mothers and fathers, they’ve got their brothers and sisters,” said Sharma. “Those are all survivors of gun violence, the uncounted number that we don’t take into account when you just hear the number seven.”
Some of those survivors are residents in the area. They didn’t want to speak on camera, some out of fear.
Others said they have been losing hope because of ongoing crime and what they call a lack of help from the city and police.
“My heart is heavy,” said Sharma.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, Adam Bazaldua, posted this statement to Facebook. “Tonight’s incident reminds us once again that we have a long way to go in making our community feel safe. What should have been a regular summer pastime changed the lives of at least seven families tonight. I’m angry. I’m tired of guns in the wrong hands, and I am asking our city and community leadership for change.”
Dallas Police said in a statement, “The Dallas Police Department values and takes community feedback very seriously. We are aware of concerns regarding criminal activity near Malcolm X Boulevard and Lenway and want to assure residents that their concerns are being addressed.
Our investigations are ongoing and extend beyond individual incidents. We are working diligently in and around this area to identify individuals involved in such activity. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members and appreciate your continued support and cooperation.”
Although some don’t feel heard, it’s people such as Sharma stepping in to do what they can.
“Our educational initiative is to give out gun locks,” said Sharma. “We can wear orange. We can say espouse whatever this is, but tomorrow, what are we going to do? What action steps are we going to take?”
She and others want to see actions that better support the value of life.