? The Stamford community and police officers hope a self-proclaimed truce between rival gangs will hold and put an end to ongoing gun violence.

Youth advocates say members of the Bloods and Crips met on March 21 and came to an agreement. People in attendance say the rivals even hugged and shook hands. The truce was later sealed with a picnic at Friendship Park, but some remain skeptical.

Stamford police say 19-year-old Flannegaine Joseph was gunned down and killed in a gang-related dispute earlier this year, sparking retaliations. Authorities are also concerned that the truce does not extend to other gangs not at the meeting.