Gun violence is weighing heavily on the minds of community leaders in Benton Harbor who gathered on Tuesday for a press conference on what will be done to stop the crimes. Mayor Marcus Muhammad announced a curfew of 10 p.m. for those age 15 and under and 11 p.m. for those age 16 and 17. He also announced he’s written Governor Gretchen Whitmer to seek resources to fight the violence. But Muhammad said there’s only so much he can do.
“I’m saying today, I of myself, can do nothing,” Muhammad said. “I need the help of everybody n this room and in this community.”
Muhammad was joined by Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey, Michigan State Police Fifth District Commander Captain Michael Brown, Benton Harbor Public Safety Director Dan McGinnis, schools Superintendent Andrae Townsel, and several pastors. Reverend McAfee announced the city is entering a new period called 21 Days of Peace.
“In this 21 Days of Peace, we’re asking our young people to put their guns down, to take a moment to reflect about what’s going on in our community because to see the devastation that’s being caused…It’s not just one family that’s been torn up, but multiple families.”
Citizens are asked to leave their porch lights on, and local pastors are planning prayer meetings to fight the violence and reach young people. Captain Brown with the state police announced he is committing five additional troopers to Benton Harbor and Benton Township with five more coming after that later in August. Community leaders are also asking for 100 men in the community to be present at Benton Harbor High School for the first day of school, both at the start and end of the school day, to allow for a safe start to the new academic year.
