Tragedy struck our family on June 1, 2024, when my beloved brother, Travis James, was senselessly taken from us at Sam's Mart on 285 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT. The pain of his loss is a burden we carry every day, and I know we are not alone in this suffering. This store has become an epicenter of violence, a place plagued by shootings, deaths, and fights. It stands as a symbol of fear and loss for too many families in our community.

This is not just about my personal grief. It represents the collective pain of New Haven residents who have witnessed or been directly affected by the tragedies at this location. The incidents at Sam's Mart are not isolated; they point to a pattern of neglect and disregard for community safety. We call on city officials to prioritize the well-being of New Haven families by taking decisive action to close this establishment down.

Families who have lost their loved ones and individuals who have been injured deserve justice. We need to prevent further tragedies and ensure our community is safe for everyone, particularly the next generation. The memories of those we lost are tarnished by the ongoing violence, and it is time to honor them by making a change.

By shutting down Sam’s Mart, we eliminate one hub of violence and take a step towards restoring peace in our neighborhoods. It's imperative that we send a strong message that New Haven will not tolerate environments that facilitate criminal activities.

Join us in our fight to protect our community and honor those we have lost. Your support is crucial to bring about necessary change. Sign this petition to demand the closure of Sam’s Mart and help build a safer New Haven. Together, we can make a difference.