NEWARK: After Killings, Sense of Unity Surprises

NYTimes "An unexpected thing has happened to this crime-weary city since three young friends were shot to death in a school playground nine days ago.

Political rivals have promised to work together, young men in gang attire have signed pledges to put down their weapons, and a mayor who was facing criticism from even his most devoted allies has been buoyed by a wave of sympathy and support.

Last week, as investigators desperately scoured the city for the six men and teenagers believed responsible for the Mount Vernon School killings, mayoral aides met with local corporate leaders in search of $100,000 to buy gunshot-detection technology — 50 cameras that would swivel toward gunfire — for Newark’s most violent neighborhoods.

Iofemi Hightower, 20; Dashon Harvey, 20; and Terrance Aeriel, 18; were killed with shots to the back of the head. Mr. Aeriel’s 19-year-old sister, Natasha, was shot but survived.

INSERT: Even though, I don’t always choose to live in the safest areas, for example, while living in D.C. I was mugged at gun point once and my house was burglarized once, now living in Newark, after these senseless killings, lets just say it's been a little trying. Generally, I have virtually almost no fear of walking around at night, but the last couple of days, even though I know the area where I’m walking, and I know them to be safe, I look a little closer at the people approaching and glance behind me every so often. I really believe, however, these three senseless killings are the turning point for Newark. The people have had enough. I hope.