A series of community forums aimed at finding solutions to end teen gun violence began Monday night in Southwest Miami-Dade.
Elected officials, police officers, activists and parents gathered at the Arcola Lakes Library to discuss the rise in youth gun violence and the most recent teen shooting.
Just two days before, six teens were shot at a birthday party held at a home located on Southwest 206th Street and 119th Avenue.
Children as young as 13 and as old as 17 were at the party.
Neighbors said around 10:30 p.m. an altercation turned into gunfire. Amateur cellphone video shows the moments after bullets went flying. No arrests were made.
Miami Southridge student, Andre Foster, was injured in the shooting. The 17-year-old's mother told NBC 6 he was shot in both legs and that he is recovering in ICU. Four of the injured teens were being treated at Jackson South Community Hospital.
"It takes all of us to make a change and all of us to make a difference in a kid's life, so they don't pick up a gun," said Juan Perez, Director of Miami-Dade Police Department.
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During the community meeting, attendees suggested implementing curfews and church youth engagement programs to hopefully prevent violence.
The community-driven coalition will continue its 'Together For Children' meetings this week.
They will be held Tuesday at the North Dade Regional Library at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at the South Dade Regional Library at 6 p.m.
