Area law enforcement officers are putting out the call for people to help rein in the violence, specifically, gun violence involving two groups they believe are retaliating against each other for a series of offenses.

That violence has left two people and an unborn child dead and has potentially ruined the lives of four suspects.

To the credit and teamwork of the Natchez Police Department and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the suspects in the latest incident were arrested within hours of Sunday’s killing.

We commend the agencies’ swift and diligent team effort to get the suspects off the streets as quickly as possible.

Following the arrests both Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong and Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten have spoken out about the need to end the vicious cycle of violence.

Armstrong urged people to be more involved in their families’ lives, particularly young people’s lives and to instruct them on the proper way to handle perceived offenses.

Armstrong also urged people to report crimes and potential crimes to the authorities to stop such actions before they occur.

Patten made a powerful video statement Tuesday urging the community to get involved by asking individuals to put their guns down and stop the violence.

Patten also urged people to get involved in their communities to help end the violence that has the potential to kill more people and ruin more lives.

We commend Armstrong and Patten for making their public statements and urge you to get involved in your communities, get involved with your families’ and your children’s lives.

Together we can stop the violence.