Taking Action: Group Of Local Business Owners Form Organization To Combat Crimes In Chicago

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Taking Action: Group Of Local Business Owners Form Organization To Combat Crimes In Chicago

As many are aware, Chicago continues to be ravaged by senseless gun violence. Just last month, we reported the horrific July 4th weekend where 79 people were gunned down, 15 fatally with some of the victims being innocent children. The violence continued after the holiday with a 10-month-old girl being hit by a bullet, leaving her currently fighting for her life. Sadly, another incident recently took place involving an innocent 9-year-old boy who was struck and killed while playing with his friends. The recent shootings have brought national attention to the ongoing problem that Chicago has been dealing with for years.

RELATED: 9-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shot While Playing With Friends In Chicago

However, a group of local business owners in Chicago has had just about enough of the senseless violence in their communities, so they have decided to come together to do something about it! Philanthropist Early Walker and his group have formed an organization called “I’m Telling, Don’t Shoot.” A description of their mission reads: “We are no longer subscribing to the “NO SNITCHING” rule in our communities.  If you SHOOT A GUN, WE ARE TELLING!!  We are fed up with losing our children and innocent bystanders to senseless violence.” The business owners are putting in their own money and even raising more to match the “high amount cash rewards for the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of these horrific crimes” hoping that big money would make people more eager to reach out.

Walker launched the organization back in June but recently announced it to the public on Thursday. He encouraged people to contact their Tip Line (anonymously) if they have any helpful information about a shooting or murder. “While the organization is less than 30 days old, the tip line has continued to have heavy traffic on a daily basis,” Early told ABC7. Through the organization’s trusted tip line, a high powered assault weapon was recently taken off the street.

Chicago
(Photo of the gun Chicago Police recovered inside a garbage dumpster at 120th and Halsted Wednesday evening. )

 

“The person who gave this particular tip was accurate and precise. I want to thank CPD Area 2 Commander Varrick Douglass for his quick actions that led to the speedy discovery of the weapon. In addition, Superintendent Dave Brown continues to be a source of strength and encouragement to our organization. His leadership has been stellar for us,” Walker said.

According to Walker, I’m Telling, Don’t Shoot has raised $50K to go towards rewards for information that leads to arrests — thanks to the community. He adds that “My goal is to raise $1 million to be able to offer $25K each time there’s a shooting.” In addition to that, Walker shared that his organization also provides jobs for the unemployed. “We have given out over 200 jobs so far to individuals in the community that wants to work.”

As of right now, the group is working to help get justice for a family that recently lost their child due to gun violence. An update on that prominent case is expected to be announced soon.

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RELATED: Rickey Smiley Reveals His Youngest Daughter Was Shot 3 Times Over July 4th Weekend

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