For “John,” a baby-faced 12-year-old from Brooklyn, New York, the streets often have more sway and influence than any positive role model – including his parents.
“There’s only like a few people that’s really my age that’s in my friend group. Then the rest is in, like, high school and stuff. Three of my friends been arrested before. Kids that’s like my age, like 13 and above, they like to carry guns, walk around, try to follow other people,” said John.
John is not his real name, part of PIX11’s attempt to conceal his identity so he would feel comfortable enough to talk about the growing number of kids his age – who carry and use guns.
It’s a troubling crisis unfolding in underserved neighborhoods across the New York Metro region.
“I never picked up a gun. The only time I i say would pick up a gun is if it’s self-defense,” John said.
