Anti-Violence Activist Killed Trying To Break Up July 4th Altercation: 'What He Fought Against Took His Life'

COMPTON, CA — An anti-violence advocate who was attempting to break up an altercation during a large Fourth of July party has been identified as one of two people killed in the shooting.

The shooting was reported at 11:20 p.m. Saturday on the 700 block of West Laurel Street, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The violence broke out during a party at an apartment complex.

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Meah Bordenave-Jenkins, 19, died at the scene, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office. The second person killed was identified as Eric Washington, 37, a former field deputy for Assemblyman Mike Gipson, D-Carson.

Three other people, including a girl, were injured, KTLA reported.

Gipson said Washington was trying to de-escalate a conflict at the party when the shooting occurred.

“It is no surprise that during the moment of this terrible act, Eric was trying to save a community by preventing a situation that would have taken lives,” Gipson said. “This bravery cost him his own life.”

Gipson described Washington as a “talented communicator, community organizer and enterprising thinker."

Washington also worked with the Watts Gang Task Force, the Watts Rising Collaborative, the Los Angeles Housing Authority and for former Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino, Gipson said.

“I am grieving – devastated by the loss and murder of this great young person. He tried everything possible to save Black and Brown boys in our community, especially against gun violence, and I am dismayed that what he fought against took his life," Gipson said.

Washington attended Compton College, the University of North Texas and Grambling State University and was honored by UCLA’s Community Engagement and Research Program for his advocacy work.

The West Laurel Street shooting was one of two deadly shootings reported in Compton over the holiday weekend. In the second shooting, about an hour later in the 2100 block of North Grandee Avenue, a man was killed and another person was injured. Investigators said there was no indication the two shootings were connected, according to the station, KTLA reported.

City News Service contributed to this report.