LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Two Louisville Metro Council members launched into blistering remarks against Louisville during a news conference Thursday morning, a day after a mother was shot and killed as she walked her daughter to a bus stop before school Wednesday.
The news conference was held in front of the Western Library, just steps from where the mom — Redaja Williams, known in the community as "Juicy" — was shot four times around 8 a.m.
District 1 Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins held the news conference, asking for accountability from the community. Hawkins said she wants the community to be proactive rather than reactive and said people need to be out in the community to try to defuse situations before they become deadly.
Kenneth Simmons, the victim's great uncle, was also there and called on the people who know the shooter to step up.
"I haven't slept all night long," Simmons said, "and I may not sleep until we find out who did this, but let's get together, come together. If you're real men say who done it, please, because it may be your child next."
Councilwoman Ginny Mulvey-Woolridge (D-24) said community members must do their part to help police.
"Step up, speak up, call LMPD if you know anything," she said. "Pick up that phone and let them know, please, this is a call to action."
Hawkins also called out the community to make a stand.
"I'm challenging everybody in the city, get up, walk to the closest bus stop, come out of your house, stop complaining, stop calling 911 -- you be the 911," Hawkins said.
She warned residents that their child could be next if they don't take action next.
As the community moves forward, Hawkins says everyone needs to do their part, and community leaders then need to listen.
"You all just have to believe and trust in the people that represent these areas and the people that spend their time effortlessly in these spaces and in the community," Hawkins said.
Hawkins says she'll be holding a meeting at the Chestnut Street YMCA at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18 to continue discussing solutions to the violence.
During a news briefing after the shooting Wednesday, Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey acknowledged that Wednesday was the first time LMPD officers were not patrolling or stationed near that area since last week's shooting before school at the same location.
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