"There is a crisis in our community. There is an epidemic of violence that has broken out in our community," said Senior Pastor Roosevelt Watkins, Bethlehem Star Church. "We don't need the National Guard. We need economics that will come into our community. We need jobs. We need development."
"We don't need outside forces to come in. What we do need is outside money, and not just one-shot-in-the-arm programs, but programs that will continue beyond the summer, and keep young people off the street, and provide safe places for them," said Bishop Larry Trotter, Sweet Holy Spirit Church.
Two state legislators are calling for national guard troops to help chicago police battle the violence.
