Father speaks out after 14-year-old allegedly shot and killed by his mother
31 January 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – At least six bullets riddled the Urban League of Wichita building overnight Sunday.
“Yeah, it was a relief to know the building had not been targeted,” said Cindy Miles, interim CEO of the Urban League of Wichita.
Police confirmed the shots fired came from a disturbance in the neighborhood, and the Urban League building was not a target.
While nobody was hit, the latest incident leaves community leaders scrambling for answers.
“We’re concerned about the violence that’s been going on in this community right now and certainly this last week.”
With other recent, high-profile shootings, there is a call to action to help.
“Our police can not do it by themselves. They need our help,” said Rev. Dr. C Richard Kirkendoll.
Kirkendoll is a pastor at the Bethany Missionary Baptist church. He is calling on everyone to find solutions to the violence, with several high-profile shootings that resulted in death.
“I want to get 30 or more preachers of different denominations and races together,” said Kirkendoll. “And I challenge all the pastors in the community, let’s come together and let’s get ahead of this before it breaks out really bad. It’s increasing, but we can slow it down.”
Kirkendoll also wants to meet with the Chief of Police and the mayor to find solutions.
“If you see something, say something,” said Kirkendoll. “There is drive-by shootings, gang-related. And then there’s other incidents happening simply because mental illness is real.”
While the Urban League leaders add security, they also want to help find answers to recent violence.
“I work with non-profit organizations all across the community and do a lot of work in the community,” said Miles. “And I see a lot of organizations trying to address the issue and certainly the issue that we have with gun violence. And we just don’t seem to be making a lot of progress in this area.”