MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION PEACE AND PROSPERITY PLAN IS IN FULL AFFECT TO COMBAT GUN VIOLENCE
After a rash of gun killings, community leaders and elected officials endorse Peace and Prosperity Plan. The 12-week initiative aims to stem the recent rise in crime and violence with firearms in Miami-Dade County. Phase one of the plan is already in full effect, also known as “Operation Summer Heat.”
Miami-Dade State Attorney, Katherine Fernandez-Rundle said in a statement, “As a Smart Justice prosecutor, I support the Peace and Prosperity Plan, which provides opportunities for members of our community and alternatives to arrests for low level offenses.” She continued, “This two-pronged approach of getting shooters and their guns, while respecting due process, off the streets, can enhance our existing Smart Justice strategies that aim to break the intergenerational cycle of violence.”
The initiative stems from the deadly shootouts that followed the mass shooting leaving three people dead and twenty outside a banquet hall over Memorial Day weekend. A shooting erupted at El Mula Banquet Hall, where 23 people were shot, and two died at the scene. In addition, another shooting occurred where two victims were found dead from a drive-by shooting and 88 bullet casing in the Brownville area. A day prior to the horrific incident, South Dade officers rush to a domestic murder-suicide in Homestead.
“Our hearts are with all the mothers and families who have lost their sons and daughters during the recent wave of violence. We can’t wait any longer for our leaders to take action and address gun violence. The Peace and Prosperity Plan is a much-needed investment in short- and log-term solutions to ultimately prevent violence and avoid more tragedies. All families deserve to live in safe neighborhoods and all kids deserve opportunities to grow up and fulfill their dreams. We are fighting for all our families and hope our County Commissioners do the same,” pleaded Sami Barrios of Moms Demand Action.
As of Monday, Operation Summer has already had a positive impact on the community. One hundred seventy-nine arrests were made, and 61 firearms were seized. Three of the arrests that were made included the teenagers responsible for a shooting on the Florida Turnpike last Sunday in Kendall.
Going into week two, Miami covers grounds with increased police presence, extended shifts for law enforcement, and extra surveillance cameras.
“This plan is so important because it gets to the root of the cycle of gun violence. Creating pathways to opportunity for the highest-risk youth will help keep young people off the streets and out of the system.”
The Peace and Prosperity Plan will carry on with evaluation. Authorities will continue to collect data to review trends of this year’s gun violence and analyze the success of programs under the prosperity plan for future adjustment.
