Mechanicsville residents demand action after five injured in violence

ATLANTA – The Mechanicsville community is calling for peace after three teenagers and two women were injured by dozens of gunshots.

The shooting occurred Saturday, hours after a peaceful community gathering ended at Windsor Street Plaza.

“I was here. It was chaotic,” said Tacorris Bryant of Mechanicsville.

The 21-year-old is one of many young people mentored by Ricky “Dip” Usher, the community leader who is organizing the event to celebrate the community.

RELATED: Police say multiple people were shot in Atlanta's Mechanicsville neighborhood

“I want to see more programs for the youth. I feel like there aren't enough people trying to get the youth to come together and do great things. The youth really don't have anyone other than Dip pushing them to be better,” Bryant said.

That's why a few days later, politicians and neighbors gathered at the same spot where the shooting took place. The goal is to give love to everyone after the tragedy.

“I do this because I know it's my calling. If I don't do it, who will,” Usher told 11Alive's Angelina Salcedo. “It has to be a fundamental problem when someone just takes a gun and shoots into a crowd of people. It doesn't matter if there are mothers or children in the crowd. It's a problem that needs to be addressed.”

RELATED TOPIC: “Over 90 shell casings recovered”: Atlanta police release more details on Mechanicsville shooting

The community's safe space has been disrupted by violence. Atlanta police say nearly 90 shell casings were found after shootings. Neighbors say those responsible don't live there.

“Keep all the drama at home because the reality is that this event was already over. The situation happened long after the event was over, so it was like people just needed to get their anger under better control,” Bryant said.

Although the area is monitored locally and by security cameras, firearms are still used. APD data shows two murders in the area so far, compared to the four people killed this time last year.

“I think it’s important that we have citywide solutions,” said City Councilman Jason Dozier.

He represents the 4th District and said they are working to invest in the area to ensure the community is not neglected, but it will take everyone working together to end gun violence.

“We play a big role in making Atlanta what it is, and we want people to see who we really are, and not just because some fools from the other side of town decided to come in and cause chaos,” Dozier said.

Mental health and the need to provide support to those who choose to take up arms were also a central theme at the rally. Counselors were on hand to help anyone who needed help. Officers also took the time to listen and talk to neighbors.