Family Of Grandmother Killed In N. Mpls. Hosts 'Stop The Violence' Event
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Recent shootings have inspired discussions on how to prevent local violence.
On Saturday, there was an event in north Minneapolis to encourage people to help prevent violence in the area.
It was organized by the family of Birdell Beeks, who was shot and killed in May while driving with her granddaughter in her minivan.
Residents, community leaders and police came together for food and discussions on how to keep the neighborhood safe.
Birdell Beeks' family now wants people to feel comfortable enough to report the crimes they witness.
"We need to be able to police our own community, and then be willing to make that 911 call and tell the police exactly what's going on," said Anthijuan Beeks, Sr., Birdell Beeks' nephew.
Anthijuan Beeks, Sr. also said theirs is far from the only family affected by the violence.
"We have a ton of families that are victims of senseless and random gun violence that's happening here in the north side of Minneapolis," he said. "So that's exactly what this event is about. It's about bringing all of these families out to let them know that they're not in their struggle alone, they're not in this fight alone, and that we're here to support them."
The family hopes to collaborate with police, churches and the rest of the community to come up with solutions.