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Community Outraged By Rash Of Philadelphia Purse-Snatch Killings To Rally Saturday

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A group of women outraged by the recent rash of purse snatch killings are taking action to stop what they are calling violent attacks on women.

As KYW Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg tells us, they'll rally Saturday morning.

"We need to come together as a community and figure out a way to protect ourselves," Tyema Sanchez said.

She is one of the organizers for the Handbags for Peace rally at 53rd and Market Street, the place where 26 year-old Melissa Thomas was gunned down in front of her mother for her handbag (See Related Story).

"Melissa gave up her handbag and still was shot.  The question now becomes what do we do," Sanchez said.

Other purse snatch victims include Amber Long (See Related Story) and a man who was shot protecting his girlfriend whose purse was snatched (See Related Story).  Sanchez says many women have stopped carrying purses because of fear, so the rally is to raise awareness about safety and to get lawmakers involved.

"We can't stop criminals, we can't stop a bullet if it's coming at us, but we can start to become a little more mindful," she said.

The rally kicks off at 9 a.m.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/724002364300450/

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