ATLANTA — Families of five gunshot victims and community activists call for swifter justice after a mass shooting in Atlanta’s Mechanicsville neighborhood.

The gunfire erupted inexplicably on Saturday, Aug. 10, just hours into a family-friendly neighborhood reunion in which people were cooking out, playing games, and enjoying the summer weather at Rosa L. Burney Park on Windsor Street.

Three teens and two women were shot. Nearly a week later, no one has been arrested as the investigation continues.

Among the victims still recovering are a 17-year-old girl who was shot in the back, and a 29-year-old phlebotomist who was shot in the head. Tabatha Colzie says her daughter “was the sweetest person you could ever meet,” and was in the process of having a home built. Now, she says, her daughter, though in ICU at Grady Memorial Hospital, may not survive.

“I’m torn, I’m hurt, I’m angry, and I’m upset,” Colzie said Friday.

Mawuli Davis, who volunteers with the community through an organization called Black Men Lab, says Colzie felt uneasy when she saw a certain group of young people, and tried to raise an alarm.

“This mother went to security as well as APD and said, ‘There are a group of young men who have book bags and guns.’ Some of the guns were visible. She communicated that to at least three APD officers before the shooting,” says Davis.

Community activist Derrick Boazman is calling for police, elected officials, and the neighborhood itself to make the area safer. He says courage is needed, and urges residents not to cede their streets to those who would do them harm.

“Either turn yourself in, or you’ve got 24 hours. We’re coming to get you,” says Boazman. “Because I know this community. There’s no way in the world we don’t know who’s responsible for this.”

Activists and community members said they will return to Mechanicsville and hold a demonstration next Saturday.

Atlanta Police gave WSB a lengthy statement empathizing with the victims and their families. It reads:

<i>“We share the frustrations and concerns of the victims, their family members and their friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this event. We have some of the best investigators in the business assigned to this case to ensure those responsible are held accountable.</i>

<i>Because of the large event, APD officers were working inside the park and in the areas surrounding the park. After the event, officers heard multiple shots fired from a parking lot near their location. Officers requested assistance and immediately responded toward the gunfire.</i>

<i>These brazen acts of violence are particularly concerning. This is far from the first incident where police were visible near the shooting as it occurred. Our officers did what they were trained to do and did not hesitate to respond toward the gunfire. We will continue to do everything we can to stop violence in our communities.”</i>

—  Atlanta Police Department