Allendale community holds prayer event in light of recent crime

ALLENDALE, S.C. (WJBF) — The Allendale community came together in unity Wednesday following a string of shootings, including one where a 14-year-old was killed .

Leaders from government, law enforcement, and community groups gathered for prayer to tackle the gun violence issue collectively.

“It broke my heart because we went the other day to be able to see the family and to see the hurt and the distress,” organizer Phyllis Smart recalled. “We are getting ready to get on the road and go see some of our representatives, our senators and our congressmen, and let them know what is happening in Allendale as a whole,” she added.

Various speakers from across the region expressed thoughts and sentiments regarding unity and community issues.

“Unfortunately, we can’t prevent it from happening,” Allendale County Clerk of Court Elaine Sabb said. “We can only pull together to try to stop it and eliminate it.”

Participants like Sharon Carter, candidate for SC Senate District 40, expressed a commitment to working together to bring about positive change and support for the affected families.

“That got deep because I was a schoolteacher and guardian ad litem,” she recalled. “I have a heart for children. Judicial reform is very necessary. It’s one of the things on the top of my list.”

Business leaders like Craig Brown also shared their perspectives, highlighting the importance of technology and community engagement.

“Our lights and program our systems and the police vehicles, to be able to detect when gunshots are being spread throughout the entire vicinity,” the CEO of Radio Alert Warning Systems said. “When we hear that gunshot or we even recognize a gun in existence, our system will alert the right police officers and the right public officials and the command center.”

Leaders plan to come together again for prayer soon.

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