ATLANTA — Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is speaking out about gun violence in the wake of Migos rapper Takeoff’s death earlier this week.
Dickens released a video statement on Instagram on Wednesday night.
“Too many of our young people are senselessly losing their lives before they reach their full potential. I don’t know all of the circumstances around Takeoff’s death, but I do know that we will lose at least two people who were a part of our world. Takeoff and the person(s) who shot him,” Dickens said.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Takeoff, whose real name was Kirshnik Khari Ball, and the other members of Migos, Quavo and Offset, grew up in Lawrenceville.
The mayor also took time to say criticize people who film tragic situations, such as Takeoff’s death.
“It hurts just as much to see his trauma spread frivolously without regard to his loved ones and those impacted by folks who moments before were fans, friends, and admirers,” he continued.
Some have blamed the deaths of Takeoff and other rappers across the country on violent depictions in hip-hop music.
Dickens says that, as a fan of hip-hop, music is not to blame for anyone’s deaths. Instead, he says the blame should be placed on the amount of guns available in most communities.
RELATED STORIES:
- Autopsy report reveals new details about how Migos rapper Takeoff died
- ‘We will solve this crime’: Police speak out after Migos rapper Takeoff killed in shooting
- Takeoff, dead at 28 in shooting, was ‘chill’ Migos member
He adds that he hopes Takeoff’s death helps Atlantans put an end to gun violence.
“I want so much more for our young people, for their families, and for their futures. I pray that our community takes heed to these losses, these people we won’t get back, and individually or collectively work to turn the tide on senseless violence,” he said.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
IN OTHER NEWS:
This browser does not support the video element.