by David Greene

They’re standing up to violence.

Residents of Williamsbridge and Wakefield joined in solidarity with representatives of several local officials from across the borough for Stand Up to Violence (SUV), an anti-crime demonstration at the site of a recent shooting where a bullet grazed a child.

Nearly two dozen people fed up with the senseless violence that has plagued the north Bronx recently gathered outside of the Corner Street Deli at White Plains Road and 226th Street on Tuesday, August 26. The message was simple: take back the streets.

Using a bullhorn to deliver his message to the community, Pastor Jay Gooding of the Fellowship Tabernacle Ministries on East Gun Hill Road sounded the alarm over this year’s wave of violence.

“We want to let this community know, no longer will we stand by while innocent babies are killed and our young people are shot down,” said Gooding.

Gooding, flanked by supporters, turned it to Joe Thompson, another seasoned community leader, telling passersby that “we will never stand by while any child is injured because of gun violence.”

“The most important thing we have is our children,” said Thompson, as a handful of demonstrators held signs reading “Don’t shoot, I want to grow up.”

Thompson heads the 49th Precinct Community Council, a neighboring precinct that abuts the 47th Precinct, a stationhouse that responded to the latest shooting. The bullet grazed a three-year-old child on Saturday, August 23, though cops say he was not seriously injured. So far crime within that precinct has spiked, largely from its increase in gun violence, with at least 55% more people hit by a bullet this year when compared to the same time last year.

And while major crimes including robbery, grand larceny and felony assaults have ticked down, murder rose dramatically, prompting the Four-Seven to change tactics. City Councilmen Andy King, Ritchie Torres and Andy Cohen, who all represent portions of the north Bronx, have since sent a letter to NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton requesting One Police Plaza incorporate the Shotspotter program to the precinct. The initiative pinpoints the origin of gunfire.

Another measure brought about by Albany was the introduction of SNUG, which has formerly incarcerated gang members quelling any potential tensions that could erupt in gun violence. More recently, an initiative pushed by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., which places gun offenders on a registry list, has been embraced by Councilman Ritchie Torres.

Brian Millford, a community resident and official representing Councilman Andy King’s office still worries for his little brother, offering “I don’t want him fearing for his life as he goes to school every morning.”