Healing Process Begins for Philadelphia Community as Shooter’s Mental Health Takes Center Stage

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After the devastating incident in southwest Philadelphia where Kimbrady Carriker indiscriminately opened fire, claiming the lives of five individuals and injuring four, including several children, it has come to light that those close to him had witnessed his growing agitation and erratic behavior in the weeks leading up to the tragedy. Reports indicate that he would often pace around his house wearing a bulletproof vest, causing concern among those who knew him.

Following this horrific act, local authorities are now encouraging residents to report suspicious social media posts or individuals who may require assistance to the police or the city’s mental health resource line. Meanwhile, the shattered community is grappling with their own psychological trauma while the potential mental health issues of the perpetrator, Carriker, are being increasingly scrutinized.

Although prosecutors have not officially commented on whether Carriker’s mental health played a role in the shooting, his Facebook page, which has since been taken down, displayed a fervent interest in firearms and self-protection. Additionally, he had mentioned participating in community patrols seemingly on his own. Recent posts also included articles about dealing with supernatural entities.

Carriker, a 40-year-old individual, faces charges of five counts of murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses. However, his family and former roommates have declined to comment on the matter or failed to respond to inquiries from The Big Big News.

Chief Inspector Michael Cram of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homeland Security Bureau emphasized that if someone is armed, mentally unstable, and potentially dangerous, the best course of action is to contact 911. Cram oversees the department’s Behavioral Health Unit, which was established in late 2022. The unit includes a co-responders program that pairs police officers with clinicians to address calls involving individuals who may require behavioral health services.

The city and the police department have implemented several initiatives to address mental health concerns within the community. Over 2,000 of Philadelphia’s approximately 6,000 police officers have undergone Crisis Intervention Team training, which involves a comprehensive 40-hour module on mental health issues and appropriate response techniques for individuals in crisis situations. Operators at the city’s 911 call center have also received this training to help identify calls that require the involvement of mental health professionals.

Jill Bowen, Deputy Commissioner of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, explained that the city has intensified its efforts to enhance the behavioral health crisis system following the killing of Walter Wallace Jr. in October 2020 and the subsequent protests. Wallace’s family had sought help when he was experiencing a mental health episode. However, when the police arrived, they encountered Wallace armed with a knife. Despite his mother’s pleas, he did not comply with commands, leading the officers to shoot him multiple times. The incident sparked community-wide protests.

Bowen noted that since 2020, calls to the city’s crisis services number and the national suicide and crisis prevention hotline (988) have consistently increased each month. To address the rising demand, the city has established a mobile crisis unit composed of individuals familiar with the communities they serve. Furthermore, trauma cards containing information about local resources and support have been distributed widely.

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the shooting, the Kingsessing neighborhood has been enveloped in collective trauma, with the streets remaining largely quiet. Community organizations and religious leaders are contemplating how to provide a safe space for healing in an area that has become a crime scene.

The victims, whose lives were tragically cut short, were Lashyd Merritt (21), Dymire Stanton (29), Ralph Moralis (59), Joseph Wamah Jr. (31), and DaJuan Brown (15). They were simply going about their daily lives, whether visiting family, meeting friends, or running errands.

Rev. Cean James of the Salt & Light Church, located a few blocks from the shooting site, opened his doors the morning after the incident, offering solace to anyone in need. The church has hosted vigils and encouraged both congregants and community members to speak with counselors and spiritual advisors available to help them process the emotional impact of the shooting.

James highlighted that within the African American community, there is a saying that instead of seeking therapy, people often turn to their churches for support. Recognizing this, he made efforts to bridge the gap by ensuring that a pastor in the church holds a Ph.D. in mental health counseling, and the church covers the cost of his services, allowing community members to receive counseling free of charge. He acknowledged that the expense of counseling often prevents many individuals from seeking help, and some Black individuals have had negative experiences with counselors who did not understand their culture or community.

According to James, as people have started to share their feelings and grieve together, they have begun to sense a return to safety. This is partly due to the availability of a secure space where they can discuss their experiences with neighbors. Additionally, as more information emerges about Carriker and the apparent isolated nature of the shooting, the community has started to regain a sense of security.

“This is a strong and resilient community,” James emphasized, observing that more people were out and about, comforting one another and engaging in conversations on Friday that exceeded the usual activity levels.

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More about healing community

• Philadelphia community tries to heal from trauma as shooter’s mental health comes into focus
• Philadelphia Police Department
• Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services
• Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• Salt & Light Church