Wilmington community comes together following two officer-involved shootings

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As the investigations continue into the two officer-involved shootings that have gone viral, Wilmington community members gathered to reflect on the lives lost and to look for ways to move forward.

In the past two days two black men in two states have lost their lives in confrontations with law enforcement. Shock, fear and sadness are some of the emotions people said they are feeling after learning about the shooting deaths of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Lousianna and Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota.

The steps of the federal courthouse in Downtown Wilmington were crowded with people showing some solidarity and support for all the victims of officer-involved shootings.

Speakers shared poems, words of encouragement and prayer.

Kelly Williams spoke to the crowd of about 60 people. She said following the shootings many people are left feeling different emotions and these community events are a way to help people heal and find ways to move forward.

“It’s healing to see that my sister to the left is here with me in solidarity and she feels that same way, my brother to the left feels the same way and he’s here for solidarity so I think that’s what this really does, it’s more healing than anything,” said Williams.

Cederic Harrison who also addressed the crowd said his focus is bringing people together.

“I just wanted to talk about us coming together. Not on just this incident but on many different incidents, issues and problems we have within our community, this is just one of them,” said Harrison.