Community leaders asking public to stop the violence after NYE shooting in Gulfport

Community leaders are coming together, begging people to stop the violence after a New Year’s Eve shooting left four people dead and three people injured.

New Year’s Eve is supposed to be a night of celebration but in the City of Gulfport, 50 shots rang out just minutes before the new year. Gulfport Councilman Kenneth ‘Truck’ Casey said, “It was a senseless act and my heart goes out to the families that lost loved ones.”

On Friday night, just before midnight, Gulfport Police Department received a call of a shooting on Lewis Avenue in the Gaston Point community. An altercation had taken place, leaving three people dead and four people injured. On Sunday, a fourth person died from their injuries. Extend a Hand, Help a Friend CEO Jeffrey Hullum III said, “Some of the young adults who were at the party who were not injured physically, but they were injured mentally. It’s a plethora who can’t even sleep right now.”

Three out of the four victims who were killed were under the age of 30. Community leaders say something has to be done. “People in the community need to get out, come together, unite and we need to work better in the community to help these young people.”

“Only thing we have to do is continue to reach not only the youth, but we also need to reach the adults.”

Community leaders say although this incident took place in the Gaston Point community, that does not define the community. “This is not Gaston Point,” said Casey. “That is something that happens that shouldn’t have happened.”

Gulfport police released information stating that several witnesses have come forward with information regarding the shooting. Detectives have learned at least two of the victims fired shots during the altercation.

Police are still investigating the shooting and need any information to bring justice for these families. “We got to stop. When is enough, enough?”