In response to the murder of Bianca Horton, Bishop Kevin Adams and Dr. Charles Mitchell released the following statement:
“Today there are four children without their mother. Bianca Horton, mother of four, was killed yesterday. In a few weeks she was to testify in the shooting of her infant daughter. This cycle of violence is unacceptable.
"Bianca was standing up to stop violence. It's clear both the city and us the community must all do more to protect and stand with community members like her. Someone willing to stand up to violence needs protection, and we must all find ways to help.
"Earlier today we asked Mayor Berke to establish a Witness Protection & Victim Assistance Fund to help make resources available to protect witnesses and victims. He has agreed, and in the days to come we will be working with anyone willing to help coordinate better protection and support for witnesses willing to stand up to violence.
"In the meantime, we ask community members join us in supporting two actions today:
- Contribute to help Bianca's family at their GoFundMe page - Community members are rallying together to help the family. Join us in pitching in: https://www.gofundme.com/263saazd
- Take our Community Questionnaire - We have to create an environment where it's safe to help make our community safe - we need your help, and ideas. Please take our questionnaire to help inform community leaders and advocates working to find solutions to make Chattanooga a safe community for everyone: http://connect.chattanooga.gov/safe/ideas/.
"No child and no family should suffer as this and too many of our other families have. Overcoming these challenges is too big for any one organization or person - we must do it together. Please join us at chattanooga.gov/safe.”