NBC29McDonnell Unveils Anti-Gang Video

McDonnell Unveils Anti-Gang Video

Attorney General Bob McDonnell is offering an eye opening, real life look at the gang problem in Virginia. The Commonwealth's top lawyer released a video Tuesday designed to wake up parents, educators, law enforcement officers and other community leaders about what is happening around them.

During the premier of the graphic video, there were times you almost wanted to look away. But that is exactly what McDonnell says too many people have been doing all along. He wants adults to take some responsibility for today's gang problems. "It's tough, it's straight talk, it's hard hitting," stated McDonnell.

McDonnell says it's time to educate everyone about the extent of Virginia's gang problem. No one should be saying that it isn't something they have to worry about.

According to McDonnell, "It's not just Norfolk, and Virginia Beach and Richmond anymore...It's the Shenandoah Valley, it's Galax, it's Harrisonburg, it's Winchester, it's Fairfax County. It's places you wouldn't have thought you would see gangs."

In the 25 minute video, "The Wrong Family", real life gang members talk about recruiting young kids to their crew. Doctors talk about seeing the same gang members time and again with gunshot or machete wounds and law enforcement officials talk about the how the problem is growing.

While the video doesn't pull any punches, anti-gang advocates say it is necessary.

A thousand copies of the video have been made. They will be given to law enforcement, school, church and other community leaders to watch themselves, share with parents and then pass the message on to kids.

Reported by Loretta Boniti
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