Celebratory Gunfire "A Silent Pestilence"

When we hear of children losing their lives at the hand of gunfire, it breaks our heart. Knowing that this activity can be incredibly intrusive and without prejudice, it is extremely shocking. As we approach the 4th of July and celebrate our country’s independence, let us celebrate in a spirit of safety. A growing problem that we have in Georgia during the Independence Day holiday and New Year’s Eve is the practice of Celebratory Gunfire.

One of the most shocking child deaths happened on New Year’s Day 2010 when Marquel Peters was struck with a Celebratory Bullet while sitting in a Georgia Church with his parents for Watch night Service. As Dekalb County Police scrambled to find out what and how this incident happened, evidence in this incident proved to be a case of Celebratory Gunfire that traveled from a mile away eventually piercing the roof of the church and landing in Marquel’s head. There are many incidents of Celebratory Gunfire that have claimed the life of both children and adults across the united states in the last couple of years. It is my assumption that the victims never even knew what happened to them because they were in their place of safety such as a home, apartment, automobile or their front porch.

Sergio Martinez, a Gwinnett county man was also struck and killed on New Year’s Eve 2011. There has also been multiple reports of property damage as well as victims that were struck and wounded while inside their homes. There have been reports made that Celebratory Bullets barely missing baby play pens, bullets lodged in refrigerators, and also bullets lodged in roofs.  News Outlets try to do their part in covering Celebratory Gunfire stories as well as police departments releasing statements on the punishment for this activity. Even with all of these efforts, there are some people that will participate in Celebratory Gunfire. Questions remain to be unanswered. How do we fight against this dangerous and intrusive activity? Do we increase the PSA’s concerning Celebratory Gunfire or should the police department implement gunshot detection software such as the “Shotspotter” to assist in senseless gunfire? As of this moment, there is no clear answer to how to end this issue and keep our families safe or at least one has not been announced by our leaders.

Are you concerned about Celebratory Gunfire in your area during the 4th of July? How are you planning to stay safe? Do you educate your family on the dangers of this activity? Is education the key? Your thoughts?

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