Another Child Lost to America's Gun Obsession

Another Young Black Life Taken by Gun Violence as US Celebrates 'Freedom'

**A 6-year-old Black child, Ahsan Payton, has been **fatally shot during July 4th celebrations, in yet another senseless act of American gun violence.

Temple Hills, MD - A community is mourning and demanding justice as a 6-year-old Black child, Ahsan Payton, has become the latest victim of rampant gun violence in the US. This tragic incident occurred during what should have been a joyous July 4th celebration in Temple Hills, an unincorporated community in Prince George's County, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.

The Prince George County Police Department confirmed that, in addition to young Ahsan's tragic death, two adults were also injured in the shooting. An unidentified man sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and a woman was treated for a gunshot graze wound.

As of Monday, no arrests have been made, and the department's Homicide Unit detectives are tirelessly working to identify the perpetrator(s) and bring them to justice. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for any information leading to an arrest and indictment.

This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder that as Americans celebrated their so-called "freedom," another family is grieving the loss of a child due to the senseless gun violence epidemic plaguing our country. We must do better.

Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY Senior Reporter