ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester Mayor Malik Evans is calling on his city to step up and do something following the latest round of gun violence over the past weekend.

Local church leaders will hold a forum Tuesday evening to discuss what to do about hate and violence in the community.

The United Christian Leadership Ministry of Western New York and other advocacy groups will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the first Church of God on Clarissa Street to discuss hate groups, racism, domestic terrorism and gun violence.

Local politicians and law enforcement will also be at this forum. It is open to the public.

Police say that, over the weekend, seven people were shot. Two of them died, including 16-year-old Zahira Smith. She was attending a friend's birthday party on Emerson Street at the time. The RPD says she was not the intended target. An 18-year-old female at the same party was also shot, according to investigators.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans responded to the tragedy by stressing the need for action.

"This violence is a deep-seated problem that requires our entire community to step up to help solve," said Evans. "I ask for cooperation. Speak up and share what you know to stem this deathly tide of violence. I also ask for people to put down their weapons and to step in to help others in their lives turn away from violence."

Police have arrested an 18-year-old man for returning fire in the shootout, but no suspects have been arrested in connection with Smith's death, officials say. 

Anyone with information is asked to call 911. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 585-423-9300.

Mayor Evans also says those looking for a way to escape violence can contact Pathways to Peace at 585-314-8666.