Stop the violence rally held in New Kensington in response to Raiford shooting

Calls to “stop the violence” and “put the guns down” rang out Wednesday evening through the heart of New Kensington as dozens of residents participated in a rally, three days after a fatal shooting.

The Rev. David Trent of Chosen Generations Ministries led the group of about 30 people in prayer and marches up and down Fourth Street near JFK Park.

He said it was all part of a dream given to him by God in response to Sunday’s shooting outside Valley Royal Court apartments on Fifth Avenue.

“The Lord told me to come out here and start rallying the community together,” Trent said. “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

Six teens have been charged in connection with the shooting of Jason Raiford. They were identified as Amir Kennedy, 14, Da’Montae Marquise Brooks, 15, and Elijah Rashad Gary, 18, all of New Kensington; Jonathan Eugene Felder, 17, of Arnold; Avian Molter, 15, of Pittsburgh; and Braedon Matthew Dickinson, 17, of Herminie.

Of the six, Dickinson, Kennedy and Felder are in custody. Police say Kennedy is the one who shot Raiford multiple times with a long rifle.

Charges against all five include criminal homicide, second-degree murder, robbery, aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy.

New Kensington police already had charged Amir Kennedy, 14, of New Kensington with criminal homicide. He now faces additional charges of second-degree murder, robbery, aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy.

Resident and community activist Tasha Williams, who was at the rally Wednesday, said she helped Felder and Kennedy 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.”

She also 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.”

Related:

• Safe use of firearms, responsible gun ownership focus of free training in New Kensington
• 3 of 6 teens charged in New Kensington shooting death in custody

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 said “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 by fellow CGM pastor Phil Walker, 78, who said he came in support of younger generations.

“I have grandkids,” said Walker. “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 U2A (Urban Second Amendment) said Raiford’s father is a good friend of his and wanted to come out and support the church.

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

“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.

Another stop the violence rally is planned for 6 p.m. Thursday outside JFK Park.