The Edgewater community in Chicago came together in a somber vigil, mourning the tragic shooting near Senn High School that left one student dead and two injured. According to the Chicago Tribune, over 50 people attended the vigil on Thursday evening to honor the life of 16-year-old Daveon Gibson and to call for safer streets.
As people gathered on the corner of Magnolia and Thorndale avenues, many brought flowers and candles. Daveon and the two other students who were also shot unfortunately happened to be close to finishing their school day when the incident tragically occurred. "You matter to us," were the heartfelt words chalked next to a makeshift memorial, reported by both Chicago Tribune and FOX 32 Chicago.
Matt Sweetman, the pastor of Trinity Church, urged those in attendance to coalesce their efforts to bring about peace and safety in the area. In a poignant appeal, Sweetman reinforced the need for the community to "create a safe passage" for the students. Meanwhile, local Alderman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth expressed her support for the initiative, emphasizing the community's solidarity with the victims' families, as quoted by FOX 32 Chicago.
The shooting has sparked new discussions on youth violence and safety in Chicago. In an address obtained by the Chicago Tribune, Peg Dublin recounted the harrowing experience of her daughter-in-law who held the dying Daveon in her arms. The incident also sparked a strong law enforcement presence in the area, in hopes of quickly offering a sense of heightened security for the community.
As of the most recent updates, the Chicago Police Department has yet to take into custody any suspects in connection with the shooting, with investigations ongoing. The tragic event occurred just a week after two other CPS students were fatally shot post leaving their high school in the Loop, incidents the CPD have stated appear to be unconnected, as reported by both Chicago Tribune and FOX 32 Chicago.
