Student Stands Up Against Gangs in Walla Walla
WALLA WALLA – A middle school boy is taking a stand against gang violence in Walla Walla.
Eighth grader John Martin and his fellow classmates are putting together a documentary highlighting the rise in gang violence in their city. Martin says he’s noticed a chance in his community over the years.
"I've seen clips of people just walking down the street and getting jumped by gang members,” said Martin. “I've noticed that the amount of gang violence has increased."
It seems like a step in the right direction for a community that continues to see an increase in gang violence. Last year, there were 133 acts of gang violence. Through ten months this year, there have already been 167 incidents of gang violence.
The video even has a cameo appearance by Attorney General Rob McKenna. He came to Walla Walla on Thursday to be interviewed for the documentary.
"What's really encouraging about the fact that John and his classmates are making this documentary tells me their consciousness has been raised about the issue,” said McKenna.
This issue is also something that the Attorney General has seen on the rise over his time in office.
McKenna adds, "It's clearly on the rise in Southeast Washington. From Tri-Cities to the east and south, from talking to law enforcement in this area and from visiting regularly and talking to common folks.”
The state increase is also part of the reason, John Martin has felt the need to address the issue.
“It saddens me, I can say that that's going on, and knowing that this isn't even the worse town that has the most gang violence, it really scares me,” said Martin.
With the documentary, Martin is hoping to raise awareness in his community, and start to be the change he wants to see in Walla Walla.
"That's what we're hoping that the community will see what’s going on and will see that students are taking action," said Martin.
Attorney General McKenna has already vowed to let Martin make an impact on the state website. He plans to put up Martin’s documentary as soon as it’s complete.
Eighth grader John Martin and his fellow classmates are putting together a documentary highlighting the rise in gang violence in their city. Martin says he’s noticed a chance in his community over the years.
"I've seen clips of people just walking down the street and getting jumped by gang members,” said Martin. “I've noticed that the amount of gang violence has increased."
It seems like a step in the right direction for a community that continues to see an increase in gang violence. Last year, there were 133 acts of gang violence. Through ten months this year, there have already been 167 incidents of gang violence.
The video even has a cameo appearance by Attorney General Rob McKenna. He came to Walla Walla on Thursday to be interviewed for the documentary.
"What's really encouraging about the fact that John and his classmates are making this documentary tells me their consciousness has been raised about the issue,” said McKenna.
This issue is also something that the Attorney General has seen on the rise over his time in office.
McKenna adds, "It's clearly on the rise in Southeast Washington. From Tri-Cities to the east and south, from talking to law enforcement in this area and from visiting regularly and talking to common folks.”
The state increase is also part of the reason, John Martin has felt the need to address the issue.
“It saddens me, I can say that that's going on, and knowing that this isn't even the worse town that has the most gang violence, it really scares me,” said Martin.
With the documentary, Martin is hoping to raise awareness in his community, and start to be the change he wants to see in Walla Walla.
"That's what we're hoping that the community will see what’s going on and will see that students are taking action," said Martin.
Attorney General McKenna has already vowed to let Martin make an impact on the state website. He plans to put up Martin’s documentary as soon as it’s complete.
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