Anti-violence advocates and grieving families gathered on the Grand Concourse Tuesday night following a fatal shooting, calling for an end to gun violence in their community.
The gathering took place near 2150 Grand Concourse, where police say 43-year-old
Amaury Toro was shot last Thursday.
Officers responding to a call for an assault found the victim with gunshot wounds to the chest and groin, according to police. The man was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died. Authorities said no arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing.
Among those at the vigil was Marisol Miranda, whose son, Michael Hernandez,
was killed in 2025. She joined other families affected by violence, describing the importance of maintaining a visible presence in the community.
“We’re survivor families, and it shows that we are survivors because we lost our babies,” Miranda said. “Losing a life is one too many. I already lost one. I refuse to allow anyone else to lose another child.”
Community leaders and organizers said the gathering was meant to both mourn the latest victim and demonstrate solidarity.
The rally comes just days after the NYPD
released data showing a decline in gun violence and major crime during the first five months of the year. However, some Bronx residents say those statistics do not reflect their daily experiences.
Organizers emphasized that continued community engagement is critical to changing that perception and reducing violence in the long term.