In the wake of the killing of three Dallas police officers that following the fatal police shootings of Black men in Louisiana and Minnesota, Hill District Ministers Alliance Chair and Central Baptist Church pastor Rev. Victor Grigsby planned a prayer rally to call for healing.
He had to call a bit harder, having learned just before starting the July 16 rally at Freedom Corner that three more officers were dead following an ambush in Baton Rouge, La.
“There is such a deep burden and sorrow in this country that I think the real healing of it is going to come from some divine action,” he said.
Grigsby was joined by Wesley Center AMEZ Church pastor Glenn G. Grayson, state Rep. Jake Wheatley, city Councilman Danny Lavelle, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, several police officials including Zone 2 Cmdr. Anna Kudrav, and about 90 men women and children who heeded the call from across the city.
“We either fight it with hate and choosing sides, or we take that upper road and work together as one,” Mayor Bill Peduto.
Police Chief Cameron McLay did not attend the rally, but issued a statement to media later in the day. It read:
“The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police will be exercising extreme caution to ensure the safety of our officers as the nation is reeling from yet another incident in which police have been targeted in a shooting. There will be fewer single-officer units patrolling the neighborhoods of Pittsburgh as officers will be more likely to respond in two-officer units. Calls for service will be closely monitored to ensure proper backup. Every precaution will be taken to keep our officers safe. We appreciate the community’s concern and will not diminish our level of service.”
Grigsby said the solution to these issues will not come from government.
“These problems will be best answered when we pray and seek God,” he said.
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