As the city of Nashville grapples with the trauma of gun violence, the family of Yasser Paz, an 18-year-old recently killed outside Bucanas Night Club, is seeking answers and change. In an incident that took place in early September, Paz and his friends were attacked by gunmen after leaving the club, leaving Paz dead and a friend critically injured. The family organized a press conference, pleading for public assistance in catching those responsible for their son's untimely death.
At the press conference, as WSMV reported, John Vargas, Yasser's brother, celebrated his life stating, “He was a champion,” and shared the devastating impact of the loss. Vargas highlighted his brother's promising future, noting that he had earned a Division 2 college scholarship. Representative John Ray Clemmons emphasized the need for firearm security, urging gun owners, "Lock your firearms up."
With no arrests made and no descriptions of the suspects or their cars, Yasser Paz's family feels disregarded. According to their statements obtained by WKRN, they are calling for community support against the surge in gun violence in Nashville. A recent vigil held at Public Square Park used hundreds of white roses to represent the lives claimed by such violence. Clemmie Greenlee from Mothers Over Murder attended the vigil to support the cause, saying, "Gun violence has gotten tremendously out of hand."
To honor the memory of those lost to gun violence, the family and community advocates have not only organized memorials but are actively campaigning for policy changes at the state level. This was echoed in the words of Melissa Alvarez Zabriske from the Tennessee Hispanic Action Network, who told Fox 17, "We want them to grow up, and we want them to go out and have fun with friends and go to parties, not be stuck in the house lonely without friends."
In response to the violence, Metro Police has indicated that they plan to increase their presence in the area and look forward to the opening of another precinct in Southeast Nashville next year. Yasser's mother, between tears, shared her pain at the press conference covered by WSMV, saying, “I feel very sad because I lost my son.” As the police request anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463, the family hopes that closure and justice will follow for Yasser and so many like him.
