Rep. Brewer Calls for Urgent Community Action to Prevent Retaliation Following Deadly Shootings Across Cuyahoga County

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Darnell Brewer (D-Cleveland) today called for immediate community intervention, coordinated violence prevention efforts, and urgent action to prevent retaliatory violence following a series of fatal shootings across Cuyahoga County in recent weeks, including the deaths of teenagers and young adults.

Among the recent tragedies are the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Jaiden Tunson near East 130th Street and Buckeye Avenue in Cleveland; the death of 17-year-old Johnathan Bradley in Cleveland Heights; and the reported fatal shooting of two men on Miles Avenue. These incidents are only a portion of the gun violence affecting families and neighborhoods throughout Cuyahoga County.

“One of these shootings occurred just steps from my home in broad daylight. Neighbors heard the gunfire, and now a mother's heartbreaking screams, as she grieves her son's loss, are being shared across social media. As a father, a neighbor, and a State Representative, I am heartbroken and deeply concerned about what happens next.

Too many lives have been lost to gun violence across Cuyahoga County in recent weeks. Too many mothers and fathers are grieving, too many children are growing up without their loved ones, and too many families are preparing for funerals instead of celebrating life's milestones. We cannot allow one tragedy to become another. If you know someone considering retaliation, speak up. If you are thinking about retaliation, I ask you to put the gun down and allow someone to intervene. Revenge will not bring back the person you lost. It will only leave another family grieving. We cannot wait until another life is lost before we decide that enough is enough. The time to intervene is now.

If you know something that could prevent another shooting, please do not remain silent. If you are uncomfortable contacting law enforcement directly, I encourage you to reach out to my office, the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention, New Era Cleveland, Frontline 216, or another trusted community organization. We want to connect people with those who can help de-escalate conflicts and prevent further violence.

Gun violence does not end when the shooting stops. The trauma spreads throughout entire neighborhoods. Children hear the gunfire, parents become afraid to let their children play outside, and families are left carrying emotional wounds long after the crime scene tape comes down. As Ohio's first Community Health Worker elected to the General Assembly, I understand that gun violence is both a public safety issue and a public health crisis. We need law enforcement, violence intervention professionals, Community Health Workers, faith leaders, parents, and neighborhood organizations to work together to prevent the next tragedy.

Every life lost to gun violence is one too many. We cannot allow grief to turn into retaliation, nor retaliation into another funeral. Our communities deserve more than condolences after another tragedy. They deserve action, intervention, and the chance to live without fear.”

Rep. Brewer plans to hold a coordinated press conference with community violence intervention organizations, public safety stakeholders, and community leaders to identify immediate strategies to prevent retaliation, support grieving families, and strengthen violence-prevention efforts across Cuyahoga County.

Residents who have information about threats, escalating conflicts, or potential retaliation are encouraged to contact law enforcement or trusted community violence intervention organizations before another life is lost. Residents facing an immediate threat should call 911 immediately.

For information about community resources or assistance connecting with violence prevention organizations, contact the Office of State Representative Darnell T. Brewer at Rep22@ohiohouse.gov.