New Kensington residents rally against violence in wake of fatal shooting

Calls to “stop the violence” and “put the guns down” rang out through the heart of New Kensington two nights in a row as residents participated in a pair of rallies Wednesday and Thursday evenings, days after a man was shot to death.

The Rev. David Trent of Chosen Generation Ministries led the small groups both nights in prayer, chants and marches near JFK Park on Fourth Avenue.

On Thursday, Trent placed his hand on the forehead of Kamieka Cunningham and prayed for her.

Cunningham’s son, Jonathan Eugene Felder, is one of seven people facing homicide and second-­degree murder charges in the Sunday shooting death of Jason D. Raiford, 39, at Valley Royal Court apartments.

Felder, who will turn 18 on Saturday, was being held in the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh.

“I just want the situation to be over with,” Cunningham said. “I know my son is a good boy. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Trent said he was moved to organize the rallies after a dream was given to him by God.

“The Lord told me to come out here and start rallying the community together,” Trent said Wednesday. “That’s why I’m doing it. He said, ‘Keep doing it until I say stop.’ ”

The Rev. David Trent of Chosen Generation Ministries in New Ken leads a stop the violence rally in the city. pic.twitter.com/ytiQ0UUh52

— Mike D. (@MikeJdiVittorio) July 6, 2022

Charges against the seven suspects include criminal homicide, second-degree murder, robbery, aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy. Three remained at large as of Thursday evening.

Resident and community activist Tasha Williams said she helped two of the suspects turn themselves in to authorities. She said she was contacted by one of their parents.

“I thank God that they trusted me to do that,” Williams said. “It wasn’t a negative outcome because a lot of people do things and then they try to run from it or they end their life, and end other people’s lives again after they’re already in trouble. They might have ran a little bit, but they ended up turning themselves in and not hurting anybody else.”

Williams said she did not know Raiford personally, but knew of the family.

“I do know that he was a very respectful person and that he came from a very respectful family,” Williams said. “I want to send my condolences to them, just as well as I’m sure everybody that’s out here does. This is no time that anyone wants to experience.

“We’re out here to get them to put the guns down, try to do something different in the community.”

Williams encouraged the other juveniles to turn themselves in to police.

“A lot of people like to say, ‘Oh snitch this, snitch that.’ It’s not about snitching. They could have lost their lives, too,” Williams said. “Those kids need to learn a lesson whatever the outcome might be. When you do something, you just got to face your consequences. Running isn’t the answer to anything.”

Several rally participants carried signs that read “Jesus loves you,” “Remember our mothers,” “Remember our fathers” and “No more shootings.”

Resident Missy Carter, a member of Trent’s church, said the city does not offer enough for kids.

“They used to have summer jobs for us,” she said. “They don’t do this for these kids no more. They took a basketball court away from these babies. They don’t do nothing for these kids. They made all these promises to us, got our votes and now what? Nothing.”

Trent said he does not blame the city, but lack of parental guidance.

“Kids do what kids see,” he said. “Their mindsets need to be redirected to more positive things instead of always in the negative.

“I hope (this event) brings awareness to all the community that enough is enough. If we’re going to have peace, we’re going to have to have unity. It’s going to start right here with people rallying together, coming together, praying together.”

Trent was accompanied both nights by Rivers of Life pastor Phil Walker, 78, who said he came in support of younger generations.

“I have grandkids,” Walker said. “I have great-grandkids, and I’ve got a great-great-grandkid on the way. It ain’t about color. It’s about all of us coming together and live together. That’s the only way it can be done. That’s why I’m out here, to make a difference.”

Eugene Sharpley, president and founder of Urban Second Amendment, said he is a friend of Raiford’s father, Stephen Raiford, and wanted to come out and support the church.

His organization has been involved in events to promote responsible gun ownership and safe use of firearms.

“I believe the adults that are responsible for getting these guns into the hands of these kids need to be held accountable,” said Sharpley, a New Kensington resident. “This is an inner-city problem.”

People must be at least 18 years old to purchase firearms in the state.

A training session sponsored by U2A is planned for 5 p.m. July 15 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church across from JFK Park.