Cedar Rapids march and vigil takes stand against gun violence

CEDAR RAPIDS - Some people in Cedar Rapids believe the gun violence and reports of shots fired are too much.

They're trying to reverse the trend by holding a vigil.

Many gathered a two different locations in Cedar Rapids to begin the Sunday night event. Some started on the west side of the Cedar River at Sokol park, while others started on the east side at NewBo City Market.

Then, participants took symbolic steps of coming together to meet at Riverside Park.

'I realized, well, this needs to be bigger than just the Christian thing or a Jewish thing or a Muslim thing. This needs to be everybody in the Cedar Rapids community,” said Daniel Baldwin, who organized the event.

Baldwin, with First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, rounded up people from a variety of religious and neighborhood organizations to put the event together.

Participants lit candles and stood together against violence.

Speakers shared messages about topics such as the importance of mentoring children and the impact gun crimes can have on those who witness them. One girl shared her experience with the Coral Ridge Mall shooting.

'Someone yelled there's a shooter, so we just started following everyone and running outside. I was really surprised and shocked because I never thought anything like that would happen,” said Jette Bounds.

Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman shared a story of a recent incident in Cedar Rapids.

'Just here in Cedar Rapids two weeks ago, a senseless act of violence erupted where a drive by occurred, not far from here in the 5000 block of First Avenue, where an innocent woman was grazed by a bullet, inside of an apartment. She was not the target of this attack, however, she is now the victim of an attack. And inside that apartment was a four-year-old toddler who very easily could have been struck by this senseless act of violence,” Chief Jerman said.

Chief Jerman told vigil participants that people in this city don't deserve to live in fear.

'I plead with all of the citizens of Cedar Rapids to come together like everyone here tonight and make a statement that they are not going to tolerate these acts,” Chief Jerman said.

People also left with a pamphlet that included a challenge. Organizers are asking people to get to know five of their neighbors that they don't already know. Vigil leaders said it's a way to build trust in the community.