Shooting witness: They had a gun battle
Amanda Rossmann and Keith BieryGolick
Jeffrey McGivens tries to stay inside.
But like many of the West End residents living near the Stanley Rowe Towers, he spent much of Wednesday afternoon outside.
That’s because three people were shot about a block away from the apartment complex near Cee Kay Beauty Supply on Linn Street. Minutes later, more shots were fired – this time in front of the apartment tower at 1621 Linn Street, police said.
“Linn Street is very violent,” McGivens, 60, said. “I might come down, sit on the stoop and drink a cold one – but I don’t walk these streets because of what happened today. You might not see the next day.”
Cincinnati police Capt. Michael John said investigators do not know what led up to the shooting, which happened around noon.
McGivens guessed it was likely drug or gang related. When a reporter questioned the assumption, McGivens answered: “That’s no assumption. That’s all that happens down here. They had a gun battle.”
This is why we need open and concealed-carry permits. To protect ourselves from the threat of random violence. Many Americans, including Jeffrey McGivens, feel worried when walking down the street. He only feels comfortable within the confines of his front door stoop. That’s just wrong.
If I met this guy, I’d have one word of advice for him: Buy a gun. Now. These places, saturated with violence, require a firearm for protection. Nobody should feel vulnerable on their own street, and a firearm would help to remedy the feeling of dread.
The residents of West End cannot rely on a quick response from emergency services every time; there may be occasions that the police force is stretched thin. There are moments in life when reaching for your concealed-not your phone-is the only good option. Every second counts, and it only takes a few to whip out your firearm and defend yourself.
