Block Party Shooting

Young Black children face an alarming risk of dying at the hands of others, both known and unknown. Those responsible for children and grandchildren must step up to keep a watchful eye on their loved ones. This troubling trend of shootings will not go away anytime soon, and vigilance is a necessity. Many young people only know how to settle disputes in one way, and when the trigger is pulled, it's too late. This shooting epidemic is happening throughout Black communities in the United States. Situations like this should set off alarms with our leaders, yet very little is being said or done concerning the death rate of Blacks. Many officials advocate building more prisons as a solution but say very little about prevention measures. The shootings of Black youth should be as much of a crisis to officials as fentanyl, yet it is not, which is alarming.

A weekend shooting turned deadly as a male victim sadly lost his life. According to Monroe Police (MPD), officers responded to a loud music call on Gayton St. on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Monroe, LA. When officers arrived, they found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound at D'Arbonne and Owl St. The victim was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. The victim was identified as 22-year-old Antavin Rucks. The identity of the shooter has not been determined by authorities.

There is a B.A.L.M. in Monroe, a spiritual solution to a social problem. A B.A.L.M. in Monroe is a collaborative plan that every citizen, elected and appointed officials, clergy, and organizations can participate in to help improve the image of Monroe while inspiring at-risk males to take more responsibility for their actions and respect the lives of others - a balanced approach to lower the violent crime and murder rate in Monroe, LA. Praise God for law enforcement.

Funeral services for Antavin Rucks of Monroe, LA, are scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Bethel Baptist Church in Monroe, LA. He died on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 27, 2024, 4:00 - 6:00 PM at Smith Funeral Home in Monroe, LA. More information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.