Mother of DC Shooting Victim Reacts to Crime Crackdown Efforts

Personal Tragedy and Crime in DC

• 💔 Tempie Satcher shares the profound grief of losing her son, Bernard BJ Hodgeges, who was gunned down in Washington D.C. on August 5th, 2023, just an hour after leaving her home.
• 🏠 Satcher, a lifelong resident of D.C., describes how crime has always been a concern, making it frightening for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to leave the house.
• 😔 She expresses deep personal pain, often blaming herself for not praying specifically for her son's safety on the day he was killed.

Impact of Crime on Community

• 🌟 Bernard Hodgeges is remembered as a community servant who worked multiple jobs, loved learning and teaching, and actively worked to de-escalate neighborhood conflicts.
• 👨‍👦‍👦 He was a devoted father to two young sons, one of whom still asks about him, and also had two bonus sons.
• 📈 Satcher hopes that current efforts, including the presence of the National Guard and MPD, will lead to a safer environment in D.C., allowing residents to feel secure when going about daily activities like grocery shopping or dining out.

Hopes for the Future

• 🙏 The overarching prayer is for residents to feel safe in their city and not have to worry about their return home.
• 🗣️ Satcher's advocacy is framed as a necessary role she has taken on due to her personal loss, with the support of her family providing strength.
• 🕊️ She expresses a wish for her family and future generations to experience peace in Washington D.C.