Gun violence advocate shares message of hope after deadly week in Columbus
As Columbus continues to grapple with multiple shootings this week, a local mother who turned personal tragedy into a mission is calling on the community to come together to help stop the violence.
Rochelle Johnson, founder of JAG Promise (Johnson’s Against Guns), visited the family of 24-year-old Alexis Hill on Saturday to offer support following Hill’s death. Johnson said June, recognized as Gun Violence Awareness Month, is an important time to remind families that they are not alone.
Johnson created JAG Promise after losing her own son, Keith Johnson, to gun violence in 2022. The organization provides support for mothers who have experienced the same heartbreak while also working to raise awareness throughout the community.
“Enough is enough,” Johnson said. “We might not be able to stop it, but we can slow it down a little bit by bringing a lot of awareness.”
Johnson said the organization hosts community events each year focused on violence prevention and healing. A back-to-school anti-violence kickball event is planned for Aug. 1 as another opportunity to bring families together and encourage positive change.
She also invited mothers affected by gun violence to connect with JAG Promise through the organization’s Facebook page.
During the interview, Johnson reflected on the unsolved homicide of her son, saying the case has gone cold and continues to weigh heavily on her family.
“My son’s case is cold right now,” she said. “I just pray to God that maybe somebody comes forth.”
Keith Johnson (Image: Facebook)
She also made a direct plea to anyone with information about her son’s killing. “I just really want them to turn themselves in. Be accountable for what you did. My son didn’t deserve that.”
Johnson said her message extends beyond her own family’s loss.
“I just want the community to come together,” she said. “Let people know that there’s still people out here that care, and let the mothers know that they’re not alone.”
Johnson’s message comes after a week marked by multiple shootings across Columbus that left multiple people dead, others injured, and homes and vehicles damaged. Investigations into several of the incidents remain ongoing.
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