Community leaders in Dallas are intensifying their calls for action on gun violence after four people were shot early Sunday morning in Deep Ellum.
Three of the victims are hospitalized in stable condition, while a 17-year-old is in critical condition.
Police reported the shooting occurred just before 3 a.m. at the intersection of Elm Street and North Crowdus Street.
Cell phone footage captured by witnesses shows the chaotic moments following the gunfire, with multiple victims lying on the ground as paramedics and bystanders administered aid and tried to stop the bleeding.
NBC 5 reached out to the Dallas Police Department to inquire if this video is part of their investigation.
“We are trying to prevent instances like what happened last night from happening in our city,” said Antong Lucky with Urban Specialists. “We’re trying to create a pause.”
Gun violence activists in Dallas emphasized the shooting highlights the ongoing need for their work. Hours before the incident, Antong Lucky’s organization, The Urban Specialists, held its latest Killin’ Ain’t Cool rally to promote positive messages and resources for young people.
“To wake up the next morning to what happened in Deep Ellum is very frustrating and disappointing, to say the least,” Lucky said.
Witnesses told NBC 5 that some victims appeared to have been hit by stray bullets. Activists are particularly concerned that one of the victims is a teenager.
“A 17-year-old out at 3:00 in the morning, that has to be addressed,” said Lucky. “We can no longer allow these types of instances to happen in our city.”
Dallas police have not named any suspects or made any arrests related to the incident.
As the investigation continues, some community members are calling for a stronger police presence in Deep Ellum.
“I would love to see more efforts towards enforcement around the places where we go to relax and have fun,” Lucky said.
NBC 5 has contacted Dallas police for a response to these calls for increased police presence in Deep Ellum and is awaiting a reply.
In the city’s public safety committee meeting on Monday afternoon, police leaders are set to provide an update on their Violent Crime Reduction Plan.
