LOS ANGELES — Families who lost loved ones to violence rallied in front of the Hall of Justice Tuesday to mark National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Nathalia Jackson, 12, spoke in memory of her father Kenny Jackson, who was killed during a robbery at his cell phone store in Van Nuys.
“Enough is enough. We don’t have to wait until another school shooting breaks out or another person walks free with a gun in their hand just so they can shoot people for no entire reason,” Jackson said.
Her father’s murder is still under investigation. He’s been gone nearly eight years, but she still remembers his laugh.
“I don’t have many memories with him,” Jackson said. “I spent so much time with him, but at such a young age, you don’t remember each and everyone one of them. I just wish I had more time with him.”
Now she spends her time speaking in support of him and other crime victims.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva also spoke at the rally, and his presence garnered counter-protests from Black Lives Matter Los Angeles.
Black Lives Matter LA leader Melina Abdullah said they weren’t protesting victims of crimes but the sheriff.
“I have family who was killed in acts of community violence. We all do. But we know we stand in opposition to Alex Villanueva,” Abdullah said. “Villanueva is not the answer to crime resources. Resources are the answer to crime. Investment is an answer to crime. We need to make sure we don’t align with people who are in fundamental opposition to our interests.”
Nathalia Jackson said the rally gave her the platform to share her dad’s story, and she’ll keep speaking out and telling his story.