By Jordyn Burrell Published: Jun. 6, 2025 at 10:42 PM CDT ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - On National Gun Violence Awareness Day, a day meant to recognize people shot and killed every day in our country, people in East St. Louis gathered wearing the color orange. “When I found out, it was devastating. My oldest son had called me and said he was in the hospital,” said Pastor Tommy Smith. Pastor Smith says he got the news that his 16-year-old son, Dontez Smith, was shot while he was in church....

Gun violence disproportionately impacts African American communities like mine, yet we are often left out of conversations on solutions. The truth is, African American residents and communities across Illinois will be safer when Illinois stops illegal gun ownership and fixes the broken FOID card system. I am fully cognizant of the historic nature of law enforcement as it relates to minorities in general and specifically Black people. As such, I am advocating for responsible, racially...

East St. Louis remembers gun violence victims on National awareness day https://www.firstalert4.com/2025/06/07/east-st-louis-remembers-gu...