’21 Days of Peace’ invites police, first responders to weekend events

The group that is pushing for peace in north Minneapolis invited police and first responders to a slew of community events Saturday to "take back the streets."

Local faith leaders started the 21 Days of Peace movement in the wake of the tragic shooting of three innocent children last month. But the violence has only continued since then.

The Minneapolis Police Department says 2021 has been a record year of shootings with 260 so far this year, compared to 116 this time last year. The city reports that 38 of the shootings this year have been deadly.

Saturday afternoon, troopers with the Minnesota State Patrol stopped by one of the 21 Days of Peace events on West Broadway in Minneapolis to mingle and show their support for the cause.

"I believe that it can make a difference, that if we all play our part in the community that we can make a difference in our community, but it’s going to take one step at a time," said John Martin, a volunteer with the group.

Although the initial 21 days is coming to an end, organizers plan to "restart" the clock and push for another stretch of peace amid the summer violence.