Over a thousand people united for the “Live in Peace” demonstration in East Palo Alto Saturday, prompted to take action to stop the violence, especially in light of the recent shooting of three teenagers.

“This rally, and uniting as a community, was long overdue,” East Palo Alto resident Lupe Martinez said. “We cannot let the violence happen as it has for so many years.”

According to Dee ‘Uhila, a leader of the Pacific Islander Community in East Palo Alto, around 2000 people attended the demonstration.

The crowd met at the East Palo Alto Home Depot and marched to Jack Farrell Park, bearing signs reading “Stop Da Violence,” “Community for Peace,” and “Let’s Not Fight, Instead Unite”.

The demonstration was sparked by the deaths of Tomas Hernandez, 18, Moises Jimenez, 13, and Seema Singh, 18, all shot to death last month.

“I can’t believe people are killing each other. It’s terrible,” said Uta, a demonstrator and eighth grader at Belle Haven middle school in Menlo Park.

The population of the demonstrators included Pacific Islanders, whites, Latinos and blacks, reflecting the diversity of the area. A Tongan marching band kept the beat with classic pieces, while teens, former mayors, and parents alike chanted “stop the violence, live in peace.”

“This is one of the most exciting days here in East Palo Alto,” Faye McNair-Knox said. “All sectors of our community are here, and look at our youth!” McNair-Knox is the executive director of “One East Palo Alto,” a community organization.

The youth presence was strong felt, indeed, with groups of sign-bearing teenagers chanting, many of whom were friends of the victims.

“There turned out to be a lot of people. This is great,” Palo Alto High School junior Malia Petelo said. “I helped organize and get teens together [for the march]. I knew the three victims who passed away.”

Carlmont High School freshman Elijah Maalona added that he marched “to support the peace and stop the violence.”

The march ended at Jack Farrell Park where, along with other speakers, the mayors of Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, and Palo Alto addressed the marchers and were optimistic about the future of the community.