Rev. Delonte Gholston of Peace Fellowship Church and Pastor Walter Staples of Washington Highlands Temple of Worship talk about their ministry to stop gun violence that is happening in their respective communities. Both of their neighborhoods have increasing rates of gunfire.

They came up with solutions to address the said societal problem through peace walks, food distribution, jobs and health services allocation, support of the victims' families, and encouraging suspects to surrender to authorities.

While they were talking, a familiar sound was heard. There's another gunshot, and there's two of them. Both pastors have a personal experience of losing friends because of the rampant firing incident in their localities.

Rev. Delonte Gholston

Gholston felt the need to be present for the community and minister to the families of the victims.

He lost a close friend because of a shooting incident during a robbery near the Deanwood Metro Station. The pastor also has a nephew who is a survivor of multiple gunshots.

"I'm in this to save bodies, to save communities, to heal, and also to hopefully in the process be healed myself," he added. Gholston said that the solution to the said societal crisis is a responsibility for everybody. All of us have a role to play.

Pastor Walter Staples

Staples said that his job to help those who are victims of the shooting is ever-present. "Just being able to handle the pain side alone is beyond what I can really explain," he stated.

Staples recently gave a eulogy for Nyiah Courtney, 6, who was killed in a shooting incident this summer. "That particular service was probably one of the hardest I've ever had to experience. A sweet, innocent, and beautiful young woman lost her life to senseless and senseless violence," Staples said.

According to him, the pain was personal to him. Both church leaders said they want the D.C. government to invest more resources east of the Anacostia River in schools, health care, and grocery options. For now, they do what they can.

Gun Violence in Washington

One of the most significant issues that are impacting D.C. right now is gun violence. According to sources, almost 200 people died due to shooting in 2021, while homicide cases hiked up to 13% from last year. 

One of the most complicated aspects of such violence was that of a mother from Southeast D.C who lost three of her sons in three years. One of which is considered the deadliest homicide case this year.

However, all of the gunmen to such heinous crimes are still at large. "No suspects. No arrest," their mom stated.

D.C. police spokesperson said the case is still under investigation. Rewards are offered for any information related to the deaths of the three boys.

In early November, D.C. police said 12 shooting incidents and ten gun-related offenses happened around the vicinity. Some of it resulted in trauma and death.

According to the department, six of the said shootings happen on the same day. At least six people died from that weekend.

Statistics from D.C. Metropolitan Police Department showed a 2% increase in crime rate in 2021 with a 12% rise in homicide cases and 1% additional on violent crimes.