CHESTER, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia-area veteran of the Marines is marching to the U.S. Capitol with the goal of getting congressional help in the city's struggle with gun violence.
Jamal Johnson, 64, went on a 26-day hunger strike earlier this year. He refused to eat until Mayor Jim Kenney took action to stop gun violence.
Now, he is averaging 10 miles each day on foot during an 150-mile trek to Washington, D.C. in the midst of a heat wave.
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"We want them to realize, politicians and everyone concerned, to know that we’re very serious about ending this gun violence epidemic, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen," Johnson said.
"Also, we want it to be understood that despite the lack of popularity now with the George Floyd Act, it needs to be enacted and we’re going to do what we can to help."
This is Johnson’s 5th year of what he calls the “Stop Killing Us” march. He said this is the most support he’s ever received.
Officials say 329 people have been shot and killed in the city so far this year, up 26% from last year. One person was killed and seven were injured in two shootings overnight.
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"It’s upsetting to me," said Johnson.
"Actually, I kind of feel like I wish I was back home. Because I would be on the scene as I normally am after someone gets murdered. We can only do what we can. We can’t be in two places at one time. So I’m doing what I can long-distance, and I plan to join the fight when I get back."
"We had politicians in Philadelphia who participated along with (District Attorney Larry Krasner) when we went out for the march," said Johnson. He said Philadelphia Congressman Brendan Boyle also pledged his support.
"So it’s good to see that interest by the politicians. They’re the ones that have to get us what we want," said Johnson.
"We appreciate that immensely. But the main thing, I want people to realize is that they can become a part of this also. And we all need to do something. So if they have time available, we’ll let them come on out and join us, for a minute, for a moment, for a mile, just to show their support for what we’re trying to do."
He says he doesn’t expect many people to join him due to the excessive heat. Still, he said they plan to reach Washington, D.C. in a little more than a week.
Once there, they will hold a press conference and speak with the Legislative Black Caucus about solutions to the gun violence crisis.
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