ANDERSON, Ind. — The reflective vests and familiar faces of the Madison County Hand-up Initiative were noticeably missing Friday evening.
The group decided to skip their usual safety walk after receiving threats.
"After the shooting on Feb. 23, we received information from one of our volunteers that there have been threats made against our organization by one of the people involved in that shooting," said organizer Jason Fullington.
The group of community volunteers is working to combat crime and make their community safer through their safety walks, which are something they take very seriously.
"We are really saddened by this recent event. We continue to strive to never see that again. We want to make sure these children know there's a better alternative than resorting to that kind of violence," said Fullington.
Fullington said while the threats are disappointing, it comes with the territory.
"In terms of threats, they're going to come. If we are getting threats it means we are doing something right. We are making an impact in the areas where it needs to be made. The threats only come from people who were doing things we were trying to stop in the first place" said Fullington.
Threats are something Rev. Dr. Charles Harrison with the Ten Point Coalition knows about.
"There's been threats against me. There have been threats against the organization," said Harrison.
"When you're in areas where people feel like you're making a difference or you're interfering with their business, particularly those who sell drugs, and your presence in the neighborhood brings light to what's going on then sometimes you will get threats," continued Harrison.
The Madison County Hand-up Initiative is not planning to hang up its reflective vest anytime soon. They plan to be right back on the street next Friday evening.
"These threats are not acceptable. They will not be tolerated. Our work goes on. We are here for the community. We are here to bring the community together," said Fullington.
Madison County Hand-up Initiative is still looking for more volunteers. For more information click here or visit their Facebook page.