Belmont community rallies for anti-gun violence after 62-year-old man killed on Fourth of July

A rally took place Saturday in Belmont after 62-year-old John Edwards was fatally shot while celebrating the Fourth of July with friends and family.

News 12 Staff

Jul 9, 2022, 10:15 PM

Updated 666 days ago

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A rally took place Saturday in Belmont after 62-year-old John Edwards was fatally shot while celebrating the Fourth of July with friends and family.
Police say he had been caught in the crossfire of a triple shooting that erupted late Monday night in front of 2431 Prospect Ave. It was at this same location, where the large crowd gathered on Saturday to demand change.  
Police say two other people in their 20s were also shot but survived.
Just this past Monday, friends say he had been sitting outside on his favorite blue chair and moments later he died in his friends' arms.
Neighbors told News 12 that Edwards was a veteran. He was known in his community as a protector and mentor for the youth. They described him as someone who could do no wrong and just wanted to help anyone he could. 
Anti-gun violence activists say they will no longer stand for senseless murders in New York City.
Anti-gun violence groups, like Release the Grip, Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.) and We are the Village, joined together with the city's office to urge the community to wake up and stop playing a role in the violence that they say is plaguing the city.
We are the Village is a group that Edwards founded himself.
Police say they're still looking for those responsible for Edwards' death.  


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