MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – DeSoto County District Attorney John Champion confirms the Mississippi Public Department of Safety told him Brandon Webber’s father ordered the Gangster Disciples to kill officers in Memphis.
Other reports of possible retaliation have also been circulating.
“I heard through some people that there was going to be some more shootings going on,“ said Larry Hunter, the founder of Touched By an Angel Ministries. “I had a choice to ignore it or jump out here and do something about it.“
Things were calm in the area Saturday when Hunter traveled to Frayser, offering food to residents. However, on Wednesday, after 20-year-old Brandon Webber was fatally shot by U.S. Marshals, tensions ran high
Protestors hurled bottles and rocks at Memphis officers and tear gas was dispersed in the crowd. Three dozen officers were injured,and more than 20 cars were damaged during the violent protest.
“The police officers had to do what they had to do,“ said Hunter. “They’re there to serve and protect the community, and sometimes our kids get caught up in things they shouldn’t be in.“
Webber, a father of three, is accused of shooting a man five times before stealing his car in Hernando, Mississippi. Before he was shot by marshals, officials say Webber rammed officers’ cars multiple times before pulling out a gun.
Now, Webber’s loved ones and the Frayser community are all working to heal.
“Some people just love violence, they live for violence,“ commented Hunter. “But not everybody is like that. Just because they’re in the ‘hood doesn’t mean you have to act like you’re in the ‘hood.“
The Mississippi Public Department of Safety urged law enforcement officials to “use extra caution and be on high alert“ while in public.
A vigil is planned for Sunday at 2 p.m.at the plaza by City Hall in Downtown Memphis. It will be hosted by the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope.