Another Senseless Shooting, Another Avoidable Tragedy

Yet another avoidable tragedy mars Juneteenth celebrations in Round Rock, Texas, with the senseless loss of life and injury.

"https://www.statesman.com/story/news/crime/2022/07/08/round-rock-juneteenth-shooting-third-suspect-gang-member-keshawn-dixon/9942299002/

An arrest affidavit released on Friday named 18-year-old Keshawn Dixon of Round Rock as the third suspect in the deadly shooting. Dixon, a documented gang member, has been charged with deadly conduct, a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

"The disrespect revolved around a member of Get Money Entertainment who had been previously murdered,"

The affidavit reveals a dispute between two rap groups, "Whaa Ent" and "Get Money Entertainment," which allegedly led to the shooting. This senseless violence, sparked by a mere insult, resulted in the deaths of two innocent bystanders, Ara Duke and Lyndsey Vicknair, and injured 14 others.

"https://www.statesman.com/story/news/crime/2022/06/15/round-rock-juneteenth-celebration-shooting-leaves-2-dead-25-injured/9891690002/

Dixon's criminal history includes arrests for robbery, terroristic threats, and assault, with police also noting his gang affiliations. Incredulously, his most recent arrest in March was for unlawful carrying and discharging of a weapon. At the Juneteenth celebration, he was seen firing a Glock handgun, equipped with a conversion switch, multiple times at another suspect, Ricky Thompson.

Witnesses describe a chaotic scene, with Dixon and his associates surrounding people, culminating in him firing in the direction of most of the victims. In addition, multiple witnesses have implicated Dixon, with one even noting he wore a ski mask—an attempt to conceal his identity while perpetuating this heinous act.

The affidavit also details Dixon's Instagram post, featuring an image of a Glock with a switch. This blatant glorification of firearms and violence on social media should be a wake-up call for us to address the toxic gun culture prevalent in our society.

"https://www.statesman.com/story/news/crime/2022/07/08/round-rock-juneteenth-shooting-suspect-rickie-thompson-charged-assault/9906964002/

While the charges against Dixon are a start, they are barely a band-aid on the rampant issue of gun violence and gang activity. The fact that a known gang member with an extensive criminal record had such easy access to firearms is appalling and a grim reminder of the urgency needed to address these issues plaguing our communities.

WHAA ENT, GET MONEY ENTERTAINMENT, GANGS AND GUN CULTURE

The root causes of gang activity must be addressed, providing at-risk youth with opportunities and alternatives to this destructive life. It is time to admit that easy access to firearms and the glorification of violence have tangible consequences that rip loving people from their families and irreparably damage communities.