By Camm Ashford
Opening the press conference at the Community Haven on Tuesday evening, Minister Kevin Muhammad in a rousing speech blamed the city, church, Mosque, and community for ‘letting our youth down and not providing them with opportunities that broaden their horizons.’
Mayor Tim Kelly, Minister Kevin Muhammad and Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) Interim Chief Eric Tucker announced a $20,000 reward to help convict those responsible for a Sept. 25 deadly shooting. This announcement took place Tuesday, December 21st during a press conference at 3:15 p.m., held in front of Community Haven at 815 North Hickory Street.
The September 25th Grove Street shooting killed two women and injured five others.
Minister Muhammad, the president of Community Haven, said his organization has raised a $10,000 reward for information on the Grove Street shooting. Mayor Kelly said the city will match the Community Haven’s $10,000 donation, for a total reward of $20,000.
One of the most devastating and impactful gun-violence incidents in Chattanooga’s recent history, September’s Grove Street shooting has received widespread publicity and community visibility, but no arrests have yet been made–as CPD detectives need more corroborating information and cooperation from eyewitnesses that could help bring suspects to justice.
Detectives with CPD Violent Crimes Unit and victims’ families have been pleading with community members who have any information about those responsible for the deadly shooting, to come forward and help investigators make an arrest.
Minister Muhammad implored the community to reach out and protect Black women.
“Malcolm X was right,” he said. “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.”
Minister Muhammad said the reward could climb, as Community Haven still has a donation page available for people to continue giving funds.
Mayor Kelly said his office and CPD will offer support to whoever comes forward with information and are working on a plan to protect them.
For more information, call (423) 206-2866. (CNC John Edwards, III, contributed to this story)