Newark is organizing a 13-mile Citywide Peace Walk on Saturday, Aug. 20 to support efforts to end gun violence in the city.

Mayor Ras Baraka called gun violence the biggest threat to the city's future and a public health crisis for the country. He is asking business owners to close early that day and join residents and community organizations for the walk.

“What we have seen in Newark and cities across the country is tragic, horrifying, and intolerable," Baraka said. "This is a call to action to bring peace to our city and move Newark forward into our promised future.”

Participants can walk, run, jog, ride bicycles, roller-skate or use scooters to join the walk in one of the city's five wards ending at West Side High School.

Poster for Newark's Community Walk to End Violence
Poster for Newark's Community Walk to End Violence (RLS Metro Breaking News)
loading...

Gun crime down in 2022

Newark police stats show crime involving guns is down or improved in Newark in a year-to-date comparison as of Aug. 1.

  • Non-fatal shooting incidents: 88 (2022) 127 (2021) -31%
  • Non-fatal shooting victims: 119 (2022) 169 (2021) -30%
  • Guns Recovered: 414 (2022) 305 (2021) +36%
  • Gun Arrests: 327 (2022) 218 (2021) +50%

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.

Spirit Halloween is back: Here's where to find them in NJ

A list of towns throughout New Jersey where you can find Spirit Halloween stores for 2022. Towns are listed in alphabetical order. Click or tap on the town names for more details.

LOOK: These Are the 50 biggest retailers in America

Stacker compiled a list of the 50 biggest retailers in the country, using retail sales data from Kantar, provided by the National Retail Federation.

15 sensational places to visit in Seaside Heights and Seaside Park

From amusement rides to all the boardwalk food and lots of water fun, Seaside Heights and neighboring Seaside Park have endured as a family friendly spot for all ages.

Along the way, the Seaside Heights Boardwalk and Casino Pier have been struck with tragic disasters - such as fire, Superstorm Sandy and another fire. Both have proven their resiliency through rebuilding and expansion.

More From 92.7 WOBM