Congressional candidates address gun violence after shots fired near kids’ ball game

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - One of the candidates hoping to unseat U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace held a news conference at the ball field where gunfire interrupted a youth baseball game Monday night.

Children were playing baseball at Pepperhill Park at approximately 8:45 p.m. when an estimated 50 to 75 gunshots erupted. Video recorded by the parent of one of the players showed children and spectators running for safety.

Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic candidate for the First Congressional District, addressed the incident, saying the shooting is a result of a bigger issue.

“This isn’t just about guns. It’s about the roots of violent crime in South Carolina,” Andrews said. “There’s a lack of Economic Opportunity and educational equity in this community that has existed for decades. People don’t have access to jobs with a living wage.”

Meanwhile, incumbent Republican Rep. Nancy Mace said families should never go through something like those families experienced Monday night.

During a one-on-one interview Tuesday, she said the shooting is an example of why local law enforcement needs more funding.

Katie Arrington, who is also running against Mace, released the following statement.

“Across the country crime is skyrocketing because of the democrats reckless soft on crime stance. From defunding the police to radical bail policies, our neighborhoods are continuing to be plagued by violence as a direct result of the senseless ideas being pushed by members of the far left. Actions like this reinforce the need for our 2nd amendment right and remind us why we need to instill the importance of family values across our communities to ensure these heinous acts of violence don’t continue to be committed.”

North Charleston Police are still searching for the suspects behind a shooting near a youth baseball game on Monday.

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