So far this year, Washington. D.C. has lost 12 bright voices as a dozen children under the age of 18 have been shot and killed. It's more than double the number of kids lost to gun violence just three years ago.
7News is asking officials a lot of questions about the rising violence, but we also want to listen to the people who live in the District.
7News I-Team Investigative Reporter Scott Taylor spoke to three children who live in the heart of the District.
"You can't even walk around here without people coming up to you and bullying you, killing you,” said 10-year-old Taylor Weaver.
These kids, all under the age of 15, are part of the community-based group Saving Our Youth in D.C.'s 6th District. Three young minds, with permission from their parents, talking to 7News about the violence in their neighborhood.
"I heard like gunshots. My friends come up and tell me there's a shootout over on 34th. So, we are gonna have to wait until we go home,” added 10-year-old Najieb Faruq.
READ MORE | District Crime Data at a Glance
One wants to be a WWE star when they grow up. Another a professional soccer player and a third wants to be a fashion icon.
"I pay attention to wherever I go but it's not just violence going on around here. It's everywhere,” said Anijae Faruq who is the oldest at 14.
Their homes are in the heart of one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city.
"I don't feel safe 'cause they just walk up to you, shoot you, trying to stab you," said Najieb Faruq.
This year, there have been 67 juvenile gunshot victims so far this year in Washington, D.C.
"You can't say Black Lives Matter and you killing the next black. That doesn't make sense," said Anijae Faruq.
In the 6th District, your head is on a swivel.
"Every second you got to check your back. You don't know what is what and some kids can be walking down the street minding their own business and 'oh, I think that's such and such kid. Let me shoot at them. Pow! Pow!' and they lie down on the floor crying,” added Taylor Weaver.
The 6th district leads the city this year in the total number of violent crimes. It's second only to the 7th district in homicides, and assaults with a dangerous weapon.
"Why are you in the house all the time?" asked Taylor.
"It's more peaceful in the house. You don't have to worry about violence or altercations like that when you are out,” said Anijae Faruq.
These three see the violence unfold on the street and wonder why adults can't figure out a better way to keep kids safe.
"I would just tell them, stop it. There's no reason to do it. People have families they love and stuff,” said Najieb Faruq.
"There is always programs and stuff for kids. Like recreation centers but I also feel like there could be more,” said Anijae Faruq.
"Police officers should be circling the block to make sure these kids are safe,” said Taylor Weaver.
7 News asked new MPD Police Chief Pamela Smith about how she envisions community policing to help reduce crime in neighborhoods and she emailed:
"We hear the concerns of our residents and take them seriously. MPD has been focused on enhanced patrols in the areas of the city most impacted by crime. As a department, we are continuing our focus on community engagement, collaborative problem-solving, youth programs, and data-driven strategies to address crime in our city. Additionally, we are working closely with our federal law enforcement partners, and other city agencies for a whole of government approach, focused on creating safer neighborhoods for all. This includes a variety of investigations to target the most serious actors throughout our community."