People gather at Brooklyn Park for “Community Conversation on Youth Gun Violence, Gangs and Drugs”

Brooklyn Park Community Image courtesy of Step By Step Montessori Schools

On Thursday, people gather at Ebenezer Community Church for a "Community Conversation on Youth Gun Violence, Gangs, and Drugs," almost two weeks after the fatal shooting of former Park Center student Syoka Siko, whose mother will be present.

Messages from Community Leaders 

Religious leaders and city officials are present at the event and speak to the attendees about the growing concern about drug and gun violence. One of the event's goals is to honor the life of Syoka Siko, whose mother was present.

A committee of teenagers, mental health professionals, and law enforcement officials, among others, was assembled by the organizers. The participants talked about some of the reasons for gun violence, such as drug sales and the influence of popular music that glorifies guns.

Bishop Harding Smith of Minnesota Acts Now stated that kilns are becoming idle and involved in problems these days.

Brooklyn Park Mayor Lisa Jacobson stated that things are getting worse and that it is critical to express concerns about the current issues. She also mentioned honoring Siko and discussing the shooting incident that killed the student during the event, a source posted.

Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley spoke about the root causes of gun violence, including the widespread sale of marijuana. He stated the right to sell it or some sort of bad deal in which someone was taken advantage of and owed money.

Dr. Aja King, a counseling psychologist, identified media influence as a factor in gun violence. He stated that the youth today are influenced by what they hear from their friends, TV, movies, and music.

The event also tackles the reasons why the youth engage in gangs. 

Syoka Siko Shooting Incident 

On Nov. 18, a 17-year-old named Syoka Siko was fatally shot; two teenage brothers were charged Friday with felony weapons charges in connection with his death.

By juvenile petition, each twin brother is charged in Hennepin County District Court with possessing a firearm with no serial number and underage gun possession. Both appeared in juvenile court Friday afternoon and remained in custody until their next court appearance on Dec. 14, a source posted.

The charges do not allege that either of the twins shot Siko; however, the police believe that the person responsible for shooting Siko is in their custody.

Early Death of Syoka Siko

Syoka Siko, a senior, was a member of the Park Center state championship basketball team last season and has recently started attending Andover High School. In an April tweet from Park Centers Boys Basketball, Siko was described as a 6'1" guard with a 3.6 GPA.

Brooklyn Park Mayor Lisa Jacobson announced Siko's death on Facebook with a heavy heart. Jacobson's followers were directed to a GoFundMe campaign for Siko's family.

Two 17-year-olds were shot at an apartment complex on the 8400 block of Regent Ave, according to Brooklyn Park police. N., and was later discovered in a vehicle on the 53rd Ave. exit ramp. N. On Friday night, I-94 in north Minneapolis was closed.

More Local News