Residents in Baltimore reveal their struggles with gun violence as the Trump administration proposes cuts to vital anti-violence program grants. Marquis Milliner, a survivor who lost his legs to gun violence, highlights the transformative impact of the Roca program, which strives to prevent youth violence and rehabilitate those affected. Milliner’s story underscores the critical role such programs play, especially as Baltimore sees a 27% drop in non-fatal shootings but faces a concerning uptick in juvenile arrests.
At a recent roundtable, young participants of Roca discussed their journeys from violence to hope, emphasizing their desire to change their communities. Mayor Brandon Scott condemned the federal funding cuts as “reckless,” arguing that they threaten progress made in reducing homicides and supporting victims. With 16 juveniles arrested in recent incidents, the urgency to maintain funding for programs like Roca remains clear, as these initiatives provide essential support and guidance for at-risk youth.
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