Williamsport community, officials join Justice for Juveniles Peace Walk

Participants included Williamsport City Council members Liz Miele and Jonah Milliken; Williamsport Area School District board members Nazirah Purnell and Lauren Montgomery; Rachel Wallace, a candidate for the 9th Congressional District who traveled from Pottsville for the event; and Jessie Lopez Jr., who was recently stopped by a Lycoming County detective in an incident that drew widespread attention 

'This is personal to me'

Walker said the walk was about more than the act of walking itself.

"Peace isn't created by words alone — it begins when ordinary people choose to show up for one another," Walker said. "I organized this peace walk because I believe our young people deserve to know they are loved, supported, and never alone."

Walker, born and raised in Williamsport, said she wants children in the city to know "there are adults who care, who will show up, and who are willing to stand beside them."

"Today wasn't just about walking — it was about starting conversations, building relationships, and reminding everyone that real change begins when a community comes together," Walker said. "Seeing so many people show up gave me hope, and I truly believe this is only the beginning."

Father of teen at center of viral incident attends

Jessie Lopez Sr., father of Jessie Lopez Jr., said the turnout moved him.

"Seeing our community come together, stand united, and show love for the next generation was truly powerful," Lopez said. "This was never about division — it was about protecting our kids, supporting one another, and reminding them that they matter."

Lopez thanked those who attended and "helped make this a beautiful moment for our community."

Officials, candidate weigh in

Milliken, who represents the city on council, said he spoke with the younger Lopez during the walk.

"I met some wonderful people today, including Jessie, the young man who had a recent encounter with the county detective this past week," Milliken said. "Jessie told me about his plans to join the Navy, and we talked about growing up in Williamsport. Our community is stronger when we show up for each other, and it's strong because of people like Jessie and Daliesha."

Wallace, who is running for the 9th Congressional District seat, said she came to Williamsport to hear directly from residents.

"I came to Williamsport today to listen, and what I heard was a community that is committed to making the city safer," Wallace said. "Unity, a positive vision, and a willingness by all to solve this problem is how we move forward — and that's what I saw today."

Organizers said Saturday they are discussing future community peace walks in the coming weeks. No dates have yet been announced.