HOUSTON — Through their shared pain, these families are seeking justice. They’re now asking the community to fight with them so that no other child is killed or injured because of guns.
The families of 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez, 9-year-old Ashanti Grant, 16-year-old Diamond Alvarez and 11-year-old Darius Dugas stood in unity Tuesday
Their families are also asking for changes to a system they say lets violent criminals back out on the street to commit more crimes.
“We have come together as a big family. We bleed the same, we are all hurting the same and we want to get loud. It's enough,” said Gwen Alvarez, Arlene’s mother.
Over a dozen people came out to support the protest aimed to stop the violence involving children. Their signs hoping to bring attention to two issues: Texas’ permitless carry law and Harris County’s bond system.
“Our kids are dying out in the streets someone needs to be held accountable for it. We have people holding guns without no permits,” said Armando Alvarez, Arlene’s father. “Get these criminals off the streets. We got people dying and their coming out on free, low bonds."
"It's got to stop, it’s got to stop now,” said Elaine Grant-Williams, Ashanti’s grandmother.
Williams went on to explain Ashanti condition is improving. She has been in a medically induced coma after being shot in the head in an apparent road rage incident. Her grandmother says the 9-year-old has been able to move her feet and fingers but stressed she still has a long recovery ahead.
All of them have spoken out on these issues and they came together to amplify the message.
The families argue that if they don’t make noise on this issue, it’s only a matter of time before another innocent child is hurt because of gun violence here in Houston.
“Justice for all,” the crowd yelled.