WASHINGTON — Seat Pleasant Mayor Eugene Grant wants to help curb a recent spike in violent crime in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
There were 54 homicides in 2014 and 79 in 2015. And just a few days into 2016, county police officers are investigating a possible homicide.
“I consider myself a spiritual person and I heard a voice from God that said, ‘Look, enough is enough,’” Grant said. “We’ve got to do something. The time is now.”
He said violence is a problem that’s almost become a normal way of life. Grant has spearheaded a yearlong “Stop the Violence” campaign that begins with a march and forum to be held Jan. 18 — or Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Grant said the march will begin at FedEx Field in Landover and hopes to draw more than 10,000 people. The mission of the march is to raise awareness about violence and empower them to stop it.
Grant said local residents — the Washington Redskins, the faith-based community, law enforcement and political leaders — are on board and have shown overwhelming support.
He said there will be a series of workshops, classes and seminars.
“We’re very excited about this opportunity that Prince George’s County will be the leader in this nation to stop the violence in the community,” Grant said. “We invite all Prince George’s County citizens to join our efforts.”
