EASTPOINTE (WWJ) – Nearly a week after Detroit police officer Loren Courts was killed by a gunman accused of obtaining the gun illegally, Detroit community members are calling for change.
Among a group of protesters outside Action Impact – the Eastpointe gun store where the gun was bought legally, then allegedly sold to the shooter – on Tuesday was Kyra Joy Hope, a Chief neighborhood liaison officer for the Detroit Police Department.
Hope called on the community to stand up and demand change in the wake of the shooting.
“We need each and every one of you all, every community activist, every block club, every faith in blue organization, every politician, everyone in the community and outside the community, everyone that says they care about the city of Detroit. I want to see that you care,” Hope said.
The group gathered outside the gun store, where it’s alleged 26-year-old Sheldon Thomas bought a Romarm/Cugir, Draco, 7.62 caliber pistol in early June.
Thomas was charged last week, accused of lying during the process of purchase, and then selling it to 19-year-old Ehmani Davis, who used the gun to shoot Courts on July 6.
Davis was in turn killed by officers who returned fire near the intersection of Joy and Marlowe.
Those outside Action Impact on Tuesday say the issue is much broader than this specific case and needs more political impact and more public pressure.
“We stand before these cameras when something bad happens, but we don’t all stand together when we’re trying to be proactive about the things we need to be doing, the things when we are called to a corner,” Hope said. “We are few, but we are powerful. My challenge for you today is to understand that police can’t do it by ourselves.”
Tuesday’s rally was led by Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson. When asked about what steps the city of Detroit may take next to curb gun violence, he told WWJ’s Jon Hewett he’s anticipating news from Mayor Mike Duggan and Police Chief James White in the days ahead and he didn’t want to “steal their thunder.” He did not reveal any details about what that news may be.
Community members can pay their respects this weekend, with visitations on Saturday from noon-8 p.m. and Sunday from 3-9 p.m. at Greater Grace Temple on 7 Mile Road.
The Courts family and the DPD will have a service Monday at 11:30 a.m. Courts will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery on Woodward Avenue in Detroit.
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