Shooting wounds 9 on Milwaukee's south side, neighbors rattled
MILWAUKEE - A shooting on Milwaukee's south side wounded nine people late Saturday night, Aug. 19.
Witnesses said, when the gunfire started around 11:45 p.m., they ran for their lives near 14th and Burnham.
"Last night was something different," said a neighbor. "It was scary."
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On Sunday morning, in the same area, people prepared for the Puerto Rican Family Festival. Those who spoke to FOX6 News asked not to be identified, concerned for their safety.
"I saw plenty people running," said the neighbor. "I saw people on the floor laying down."
14th and Burnham, Milwaukee
Witnesses and neighbors said there was a shootout during some sort of gathering.
"That’s just crazy how one person can mess up, and then everyone else is injured because of other people’s choices," the neighbor said.
Six males and three females – ranging in age from 16 to 42 – were wounded. They are all expected to survive, police said.
"That could have been me. It could have been my sister," said the neighbor. "It could have been anybody."
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"It’s just getting worse and worse," said a man named Jimmy.
People who live nearby said they are not sure what triggered the chaos but wanted the person or people responsible for the violence to be arrested.
"People don’t deserve that. You suck," said Jimmy. "Do something better with your life. You don’t belong around here."
A 22-year-old Milwaukee man was taken into custody and a gun was recovered. Police said the investigation is ongoing, and the district attorney's office is reviewing charges.
Reaction
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
"Gun violence over the past weekend is entirely unacceptable in this city. My thoughts are with the shooting victims, their friends and their families.
"The Milwaukee Police have made arrests and are continuing to investigate all the incidents that took place. The Milwaukee Fire Department provided emergency medical services and deserve praise for their work.
"I insist our criminal justice system fully prosecute and punish those responsible for this violence. I am directing our Office of Violence Prevention to take every reasonable step to educate, intervene and mediate so that we can reduce the gun violence here.
"I again ask everyone – parents, neighbors, teachers, preachers, and mentors – to step up in ways that will help stop the bloodshed. I will add, leaders and legislators must take a renewed look at our gun laws to decrease the likelihood that guns end up in the hands of people who should not have them."