Detroit effort urges ‘Hugs, Not Bullets’ for New Year’s

Youth in Detroit and law enforcement officials are kicking off an effort to encourage people to ring in the New Year safely.

Leaders from the Neighborhood Service Organization’s Youth Initiatives Project gathered Monday to help start the 12th annual “Hugs, Not Bullets” campaign, which aims to reduce celebratory gunfire and year-round gun violence in the Detroit area.

In addition to students and police, government officials were on hand, including Detroit Police Chief James Craig.

Some people fire guns into the air to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, a tradition that police and others warn against.

Those involved in the safety campaign are encouraging gun owners to keep firearms locked up and unloaded to help prevent children from being injured or killed.

“This campaign has been successful, and we’re just reinforcing to young people the importance of not firing weapons into the air on New Year’s Eve,” Craig said. “The public understands this is not how to bring in the New Year. We’re encouraging people in the community to celebrate in a safe manner.”