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Matthew Williams, a young and vibrant activist who called for peace and justice in Chicago, was shot and killed on Saturday while inside a friend’s apartment.

Williams was at the basement apartment with friends when a gunman shot through the windows, hitting the 21-year-old in the back. Police told reporters the shooter had an argument with someone else in the apartment just hours before, and Williams was not involved.

He was taken the hospital and listed in critical condition, but passed away shortly after midnight.

Williams made a name for himself in social justice circles by actively leading rallies regarding gun violence, homelessness, and corruption within law enforcement.

The last political rally he attended was at Trump Tower just days before his death. Friend and activist Ja’Mal Green, who is also responsible for the infamous “Rahm Failed Us” T-shirts, said Williams had a bubbly personality and always wanted to make a difference.

DNA Info Chicago reports:

“He wanted a new life. He wanted to experience something different. While he was here we started protesting, and he wanted to be involved,” Green said. “He was the one with the most energy,” Green said. Williams “was always yelling, always saying what should be done in the community. He’s very vocal.

There were so many people that came out to protest with us … he was one that stood out.

He wanted our kids to have better lives and not have to fight.”

A memorial was held on Tuesday at 71st and Calumet in the city’s South Side where Williams was killed. Green said people are aware of the shooter’s identity, but he hasn’t been arrested.

Via DNA Info Chicago:

The “no-snitch rule has to be thrown out of our community,” he said. “It’s time for us to really put our foot down,” Green said. “The only way things will stop is if we stop it. No one else can do what we need to do in our communities. Our kids are dying,” Green paused and sighed. “Our future, our kids — their futures are being taken away.”

Sadly, instances of violence have continued to rise in Chicago. The first two months of the year documented 52 homicides and over 300 shootings in the city.

SOURCE: DNA Info Chicago | PHOTO CREDIT: Twitter 

SEE ALSO: Black Lives Matter Activist MarShawn McCarrel Fatally Shoots Himself On Ohio Statehouse Steps

Anti-Violence Activist Matthew Williams Killed In Chicago Shooting  was originally published on newsone.com