AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Teen violence has been a big issue in Augusta this summer, and a rally was held to try and stop that violence.
The Action Rally for the CSRA is an event meant for the community to pray for students, families, schools and non-violence.
This rally happened in response to 14-year-old Deandre Howell being shot to death by a 16 and 18 year old in the parking lot of an Auto Parts store on Deans Bridge Rd. in Augusta.
“When we have something as horrific as this we need to let the community know that we are here to be of support and with this being a very violent thing, certainly, people need to show that they are concerned and want to help make a difference,” said Reverend Doctor Larry Fryer.
Dozens of citizens and many elected officials attended the rally including Mayor Garnett Johnson.
Johnson says it’s devastating to see another young life lost.
“It shouldn’t cost your loved ones to have to have a funeral for a 14 year old that shoud’ve been in school this week. The most unfortunate part of all is that it’s not going to stop unless we do something,” Johnson said.
I spoke with Augusta resident Elaine who lost her niece in 2018 and a cousin in 2024 in shootings.
“This is something really serious going on and it needs to be stopped, I really support gun violence rallies. I’m always out here supporting. I miss her, I truly miss her because she was the life of the family, she always kept us laughing,” said Elaine.
The event was co-hosted by the Monroe Foundation and the Martin Luther King Unity Foundation.
