Wichita mothers affected by gun violence push for change

Published: Aug. 16, 2019 at 7:32 PM CDT
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Wichita Police say a four-year increase in shooting victims is on track to end this year. Data shows an increase in gun violence from 2014-2018, but police say numbers are down at this time.

There have been 79 shooting victims so far in 2019, according to Wichita Police. That averages out to three shooting victims every week.

Wichita Police credit the decrease in gun violence to law enforcement crack-downs and community action.

A new group in Wichita—called Mother’s Against Gun Violence—is a network of women who have all lost family members in a gun-related death, whether it be a targeted shooting, a suicide, or accidental shooting.

A dozen mothers formed the group last week, after 17-year-old Ramiro Valdez died. Police say his death was the result of an on-going gang feud in Wichita. The group hopes to decrease gun violence and inspire change in the city through community events.

Gloria Aguilar, a mother who lost her son in a shooting last year, helped organize the group.

“I’m here to stand up for mothers that have lost their children to gun violence to speak up to let them know this is a serious, serious situation and what’s going on right now in the community.”

Aguilar’s grand-child moved in with her after his father, Manuel Antonio Hernandez, died in a shooting one year ago. Aguilar—with the rest of her new group—will share her message at a “Love Your Community” event from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday.

“Gun violence affects everybody.. it doesn’t just affect the victim or doesn’t just affect the shooter’s family. It affects us as an entire community. When we don’t say anything, we are just as much of the problem as the people committing the crime.”