‘We never really heal': Community speaks out against gun deaths in Jacksonville

Interfaith leaders and victims’ families and friends spoke out Sunday evening in an effort to end gun violence here in Jacksonville.

Faith leaders and people impacted by gun violence are speaking out tonight in honor of those of who lost their lives to firearms.

This evening, songs echoed in Memorial Park. Families and friends lit candles, called out the names and detailing life after tragedy.

“As mothers we never heal,” said Latasha Hobbs.

Hobbs spoke one on one with Action News Jax.

Police told us in 2017 her son was walking down Agave Road when he was gunned down two days after his 18th birthday.

“Losing a child is not something you ever move on from,” said Hobbs. “You have to carry your child with you.”

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement statistics, there were 82 murders by firearms in Duval County in 2016 and 92 in 2017.

Gun violence accounted for nearly 80% of murders over that time span.

Organizers are asking for the community to support victims’ families and friends this holiday season.

“I don’t get the sense that they feel an incredible outpouring of support,” said the Rev. Susan Rogers.

Rogers tells me they’re reminding folks healing is a continuous process for victims’ loved ones.

“Oftentimes after the event happens, it’s life as usual for us, and nothing is said or done. It just becomes normal,” said Rogers.

Organizers are calling for the community to be cognizant of the struggles of the victims' families and for stricter gun laws from city and state leaders.

However, there is no indication how many of the shooting deaths were the result of a legally obtained firearm.

Cox Media Group