Kids As Young As Five Pledge To Stay Away From Guns

(Memphis) Kids taking part in the city’s summer camp took a break from fun and games Wednesday for a serious talk and it came straight from the mayor.

“What you learn here today will keep you safe for the rest of your lives,” said Mayor A C Wharton.

Mayor Wharton and Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong talked to kids as young as five about guns and had them pledge to be smart and not carry a gun, be calm and not settle a fight with a gun and be a leader by keeping others away from guns.

“I believe what he said. We should think of situations instead of going into it with violence,” said Joshua Santacruz.

It’s all part of the mayor’s mission to put an end to youth violence in the city.

He’s already met with gang leaders, but says when it comes to guns and violence you have to get to kids early.

“Keep in mind these kids don’t develop a violent streak when they hit the stroke of midnight and went from 12 to 13. It started early on. Right at this age,” said Mayor Wharton.

And the police director says, unfortunately, right now many teens are both the victims and suspects in many of the city’s mayor crimes.