Milwaukee, WI – July 17, 2025- The city of Milwaukee is once again in mourning after an unspeakable tragedy claimed the life of a young girl, just 13 years old, in a shooting that has left the community shocked, heartbroken, and demanding answers.
On the evening of Thursday, July 17, emergency services were urgently dispatched to the 3200 block of West Vliet Street, a neighborhood known for its tight-knit residents but one that has also struggled in recent years with violence and instability. The call came in for a young female suffering from a gunshot wound—a tragic and all-too-familiar alarm in a city grappling with a growing gun crisis.
Milwaukee Fire Department’s Engine 32 and Med Unit 8 (E32/M8) were first to arrive on the scene. Responders found the 13-year-old girl suffering from a serious gunshot wound to her flank, indicating a potentially life-threatening injury. Despite the valiant and immediate efforts of paramedics and support from police and emergency physicians, the young girl succumbed to her injuries at the scene. She was pronounced dead just minutes after their arrival.
A City in Shock
The loss has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood and broader Milwaukee community, particularly because the victim was so young—still a child, with her entire future ahead of her. Residents who witnessed the chaotic aftermath describe the moment as “devastating and surreal,” with some reporting that children were outside playing just moments before shots rang out.
“She was just a kid,” one nearby resident said, voice shaking. “This shouldn’t be happening in our city—definitely not to our babies.”
Circumstances of the Shooting
According to preliminary information released by the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), the incident appears to have stemmed from the negligent handling of a firearm inside or near a private residence. Authorities believe the gun was not fired intentionally at the girl, but rather discharged in a moment of recklessness, possibly by someone unfamiliar with gun safety protocols.
While MPD has not yet released the identity of the victim or any suspect, they have stated that they are not seeking any additional suspects at this time, indicating that the shooter may already be in custody or known to law enforcement. The exact relationship between the victim and the person responsible remains under investigation.
The Weight of a Growing Crisis
This incident is not isolated. It adds to a disturbing trend of youth victims in Milwaukee. As the city pushes deeper into the summer months—historically the most violent time of year—there is increasing concern over the proliferation of guns in homes and neighborhoods and the lack of responsible gun storage or education.
In 2024 alone, Milwaukee saw a rise in unintentional shootings involving minors, with community leaders pleading for increased awareness around safe firearm storage, responsible ownership, and access prevention. July 2025 was already on pace to mirror those trends—this tragedy only solidifies the fears of many advocates and families.
Community Response
City leaders, school officials, and violence prevention organizations quickly responded to the devastating news.
- Mayor Cavalier Johnson issued a statement:
“Another child is gone too soon. My heart is shattered for her family and for the community that raised her. We must—we will—do more to end this epidemic of gun violence in our city.” - Mothers Against Gun Violence – Milwaukee Chapter organized a vigil to be held Friday evening near the site of the shooting. Attendees will gather to honor the victim’s life and demand safer neighborhoods for all children.
- Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) confirmed the girl was enrolled in the district and released grief counselors to support students and staff who knew her.
Remembering a Life Lost
Although the family has requested privacy as they process the sudden and horrific loss, neighbors described the victim as a bright, joyful, and energetic girl, known for riding her bike along the block and helping her younger cousins with homework. One neighbor remembered her kindness, saying, “She would bring in my trash bins without being asked. Just a sweet, sweet soul.”
Her name has not been released pending notification of all family members.
Moving Forward
Milwaukee Police continue to investigate the shooting and are expected to release more details in the coming days, including whether criminal charges will be filed and under what circumstances the firearm was accessed.
In the meantime, city officials are once again urging gun owners to:
- Store firearms locked and unloaded
- Keep guns out of reach of minors
- Use gun safes or lock boxes in all households
- Consider participating in free gun safety training offered by the city
This heartbreaking loss is a painful reminder that negligence with firearms can have irreversible consequences—and that no neighborhood, no family, is immune.
Anyone with Information
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact:
- Milwaukee Police Department: (414) 935-7360
- Crime Stoppers (anonymous): (414) 224-TIPS
A Call for Peace
As candles are lit in memory of a 13-year-old girl whose life was stolen far too soon, Milwaukee must confront the reality that until real change is made—through policy, education, and community care—more tragedies like this may follow. Let her memory be the last one etched into headlines like this. Let it be the turning point.
Let us not just mourn—but act.
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