Last week, Ralph Yarl, a Black teen, accidentally mixed up home addresses when out on an errand to pick up his younger twin brothers from their friend's house. After ringing the doorbell to the wrong home, the homeowner, 84-year-old Andrew D. Lester, opened the door and shot Ralph in the head and again in the arm after the young boy fell.
The 16-year-old managed to make it to a neighboring house and those inside called police. According to the New York Times, Lester was taken into custody but released without charges after 24 hours, which spawned protests in the area.
After mounting pressure, prosecutors say Lester has since been charged with "assault in the first degree" and "armed criminal action."
Pressure to seek justice for Ralph largely circulated online, and celebrities not only expressed their grief over the situation, but also demanded that something be done about justice, equality, and gun control in this country:
1. "It should never have even happened," Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. "It should have been an easy conversation and then both people go on their ways. ... This kid should be with his family right now and not in the hospital."
Here's #Chiefs Patrick Mahomes on Ralph Yarl.
2. "I'm sick and tired of this feeling," Halle Berry said on Twitter. "This innocent child is now fighting for his life. This could be your child."
His name is #RalphYarl and I’m sick and tired of this feeling…my heart completely broke when I learned this precious 16-year-old, who accidentally rang the door of the wrong address in an attempt to pick up his siblings, was shot in the head… (1/3)
3. Kerry Washington encouraged people to focus less on reality TV and more on reality.
Instead of waiting around for #LoveIsBlind…make a phone call. For #RalphYarl. Demand that Prosecutor Zachary Thompson make an arrest and bring the appropriate charges. 👉🏾816-736-8300👈🏾
4. "This can't be it," Justin Timberlake added when sharing Ralph's story.
#RalphYarl accidentally rang the door of the wrong house while trying to pick up his siblings. For this, a man shot him in the head. Then shot him a 2nd time as he was on the ground. The man is free and the 16-year-old is fighting for his life in the hospital. This can’t be it.
5. Jennifer Hudson expressed feeling "heartbroken" and wished him a full recovery.
My God !!! Heartbroken for this young man and his family. Praying for his complete recovery ! #RalphYarl
6. Jennifer Aniston shared information on how to get in contact with prosecutors and demand an arrest be made.
7. Ava DuVernay shared a poem inspired by Ralph.
8. Kim Kardashian shared an infographic about Ralph's story to spread awareness...
9. ...and Chloe Bailey boosted his image.
10. Bernice King called for "legislative and heart change to prevent these tragedies."
11. And finally, Emmanuel Acho reminded everyone that Ralph is a son, a band section leader at his high school, a college hopeful who plans on majoring in chemical engineering, and one of "the brightest minds of the next generation."
We can’t say that it takes a village to raise a child if the villagers are simultaneously attempting to kill them. Fervent prayers for #RalphYarl.