Immediate action is needed to stop gun violence in Tallahassee

I want to commend law enforcement for their swift and courageous efforts to minimize a violent mass gun shooting that could have developed into serious casualties and harm. 

We applaud our law enforcement for their excellent training and exceptional professionalism that resulted in many lives saved late last Saturday night. Unfortunately, this violent incident added to the death toll and senseless killing and injuries of innocent bystanders.

We must act immediately to pass ordinances that will prevent these kinds of gatherings from taking place in the public square.  I am calling on all our citizens in Tallahassee to strongly support law enforcement and speak out loudly against gun violence. Working in conjunction with Chief Lawrence E. Revell, law enforcement, pastors and community leadership, I am asking our city commissioners to immediately put into law a plan of action that will address this matter.

Now is the time for creative solutions to stop the uptick in gun shootings. Now is the time to adequately fund law enforcement and rebuke the rhetoric of “defunding the police” and now is the time to fully embrace law enforcement and not criminals and criminal activities.   

We are calling a special meeting of area pastors, faith leaders, and elected officials to address this surge in crime.  A special press conference will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, located at 224 N.  Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in Tallahassee, Fla. 

Rev. Dr. R.B. Holmes, Jr. is pastor, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and publisher of the Capital Outlook.