Letter to the Editor: a message from Sheriff Edward Goods on gun violence in our community

CLAIBORNE COUNTY, Miss. (VDN) — As Sheriff of a small but deeply connected community, I feel compelled to speak on the recent rise in gun violence. What I can’t seem to understand is—why can’t we all get on the same page?

Throughout my tenure, I’ve never hesitated to shine a light on the major players responsible for the gun violence plaguing our streets. But some folks still choose to ignore the truth. Our most recent arrests included three new faces—that tells me recruitment is happening, and fast.

Now let me be clear: we know some parents are doing all they can. But we also know that peer pressure is powerful. In today’s world, many of our young men feel like they have to carry a gun just to fit in. That doesn’t make it right—but it does make it real. And that’s why this is no longer just a parenting issue—it’s a community issue.

The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

But what happens when the streets are louder than the home? When the crowd is more influential than the parent?

And here’s the question I keep asking: Where are the OGs?

I’ve seen a few speak up—and I thank you. But back in the day, OGs stood tall and protected the community. They didn’t let kids run wild, and they didn’t sit silent when things got out of control. Some of y’all OGs too quiet for me. You’ve got influence—so use it. If you can brag about your street history, then step up and help change what’s happening in those same streets today.

At what point are we, as a community, going to put our foot down? When will we stop blaming law enforcement and start working together toward real solutions?

Let me be honest: I can name just about every individual in this county who’s out here contributing to this madness. My team and I visit their parents—some of them four times a month—to say, “Hey, your child is headed down the wrong path.” But most of the time, it falls on deaf ears. That’s the part they don’t tell you—because it doesn’t fit the narrative that we’re profiling or picking on people.

Here’s a simple solution: We all know the 20 or so individuals who wait until nightfall to shoot up homes, neighborhoods, or gatherings. If we really care about protecting each other, especially during community events, then we have to be willing to tell them: “Stay away.”

We know who they are. So do you.

Let’s stop pretending. Let’s start protecting.

Sheriff Edward Goods
Claiborne County

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