MLK Day Turns Violent After Shootings in Separate Cities

MLK Day Turns Violent After Shootings in Separate Cities

  • Jan 17, 2017

Martin Luther King Jr. is famously known for his message of peace, so much so that his birthday marks a holiday in the United States. Many groups gather to celebrate MLK Day in cities across the country, and usually security is the last thing on their minds.

Yesterday, two cities saw a violent close to MLK Day when gunfire broke out near events specifically set to celebrate the holiday.

In Houston, four people were shot on Martin Luther King Boulevard during an annual block party. Many were gathered in celebration on the corner of Reed and MLK when gunfire rang out, striking three females and male. The adult man and a 13-year-old female were taken to the hospital. Their conditions are unknown at this time, but they are expected to survive.

Police say they have little details on the incident as the witnesses scattered quickly after the gunfire. However, three people have been taken into custody in connection to the shooting.

Law enforcement in Miami are investigating a very similar scene that unfolded at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park where people were gathered to peacefully celebrate the holiday.  Around 3:40 p.m. eight people were injured when gunfire erupted in the park sparking a stampede injuring several more.

Five minors and three adults were transported to the hospital with gunshot wounds. They are all listed in stable condition, except for a 20-year-old man who is listed in critical condition.

Police say the park was evacuated so they could investigate. They detained two people for questioning and seized two firearms, but they are unsure if there are other suspects at large.

These shootings are not the only ones to happen over the long-weekend. In Chicago alone, 39 people were wounded by gunfire, 10 of them died. The last person to be fatally shot was at 11:30 a.m. on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Police say the shooting wasn’t connected to the holiday.


Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.