Since the beginning of 2008, the nation's capital has seen a sharp rise in gun violence.

Republican Party Presidential candidate John McCain is set to speak to members of The National Rifle Association on Friday, May 16. The powerful pro-gun lobbying group is holding its annual convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Its members are watching to see whether the United States Supreme Court will overturn a 32-year-old handgun ban in Washington, D.C. next month.

The high court's review of the case comes as gun violence is on the rise in Washington. Police and community groups are desperately looking for ways to curb the crime wave. With a population of just over one half million people, the nation's capital recorded 181 murders last year. Most involved firearms. Since January, there have been more than 50 homicides and countless numbers of shootings. VOA's Chris Simkins reports on how the violence has touched one family and what police are doing to get guns, and the criminals who use them, off the streets.