Families of Compton shooting victims demand action after deadly Fourth of July weekend: "When are we going to stop?"
Compton community activists were joined by the three families of deadly shooting victims in Compton over the Fourth of July weekend, demanding action from the government to help prevent further tragedy.
All three of the victims, who were killed during two separate shootings at Fourth of July gatherings, were identified on Monday by authorities.
The first shooting happened at a Fourth of July party in the 700 block of W. Laurel Street, where a man and woman were killed and three others were wounded. One of the two victims was identified as 37-year-old Eric Washington, a former staffer for California Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson).
"Eric was tragically ripped from our lives by a coward who chose to brandish a gun during a community event where children and families gathered," Gipson said in a statement. "He was extraordinarily talented, a passionate and focused man who loved the community, gave his heart and soul for the people, and put them first. I am grieving – devastated by the loss and murder of this great young person."
Washington died shortly after he was transported to a local hospital, and the 19-year-old woman, identified as Meah Bordenave-Jenkins, was pronounced dead at the scene.
"I have to go back to Texas by myself, and I don't get to talk to my best friend every day," said Tina Johnson, Washington's mother, during the news conference on Monday.
Circumstances surrounding the shooting, including a motive, remain unclear. While authorities haven't publicly released additional details, Gipson said Washington was "attempting to de-escalate a conflict during the holiday block party with children and families."
"It is no surprise that during the moment of this terrible act, Eric was trying to save a community by preventing a situation that would have taken lives," Gipson said. "This bravery cost him his own life."
A total of five people were struck by gunfire, authorities said. They include a teenage girl, another woman and a fifth victim who was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
"My brother went there every year. I'm just so angry, because he died somewhere where he loved everybody, where he was loved," said Washington's sister, Erica Washington.
Washington was also part of the Watts Rising initiative. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas and earned a master's from Grambling State University. In a 2024 profile, UCLA's Clinical & Translational Science Institute recognized Washington as an "influential change agent in social justice advocacy, public safety awareness, and policymaking."
Compton Mayor Emma Sharif called the pain of Washington's loss "unimaginable" for his family members.
"Violence has no place in Compton," Sharif said.
LA Mayor Karen Bass also issued a statement on Washington's death on Monday.
"Los Angeles mourns the loss of Eric Washington, a devoted public servant who dedicated his talent and passion to serving the neighborhoods he loved," her statement said. "Rather than seeking recognition, Eric chose a life of humble service, investing in young people and families across our city."
Bass acknowledged Washington's activism in Boyle Heights, where he was recently working to connect victims of the Lineage warehouse fire with resources, and his work to bring LA's youth together through the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles World Cup Youth Tournament.
"His generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to others will leave a lasting mark on Los Angeles. This is a heartbreaking loss, and my thoughts are with Eric's family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched," Bass said.
Family members said that Jenkins was a nursing student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and was well-loved in her community.
"I'm not gonna allow my daughter's death to go in vain, cause she was mine and she made me proud," said Jenkins' mother, Ebony Jenkins.
"She had a purpose, and this wasn't that," said another family member of Jenkins. "I'm really trying to make sense of it, but it don't make sense."
Deputies also noted that no evidence indicates the incident is connected to a different shooting that happened at a block party in the 2100 block of N. Grandee Avenue, which left one man dead and another wounded. That man was identified as 28-year-old Rialto resident Thaddeus Clark.
They said that they didn't feel like local government would take action quickly enough to bring justice to the families.
"It's sad, when we have Black on Black crime. When are we going to stop?" said Kenneth Clark. "Some of you guys are probably thinking, Donald Trump, President Trump, bring the National Guard. They're not gonna step up, so you do it."
