Oakland group calls for an end to gun violence

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Hundreds of people marched on Oakland City Hall Saturday to protest the growing number of gun-related killings.

Families who lost loved ones joined elected officials, church members, business owners, and youth leaders to call for an end to the violence that they say is decimating the city.

The peace march and rally drew people from throughout the city. They set out from five known homicide scenes. Soldiers Against Violence Everywhere, also known as SAVE, organized the protest.

"We need to bring back peace and trust in the community and so we thought in this celebration event so we thought this would be one way to do that," said Joanna Habbi with SAVE.

As they gathered in front of city hall, the protesters announced a resolution calling for action by Oakland officials and the police department. There was also a plea, asking residents to speak out about violence in the community.

So far this year there have been 85 homicides in Oakland. That's two more than at this same time last year.

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guns, murder, jean quan, oakland, howard jordan, east bay news

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