Baltimore Block Party Turns Deadly in Mass Shooting
Baltimore, Maryland- A beloved annual block party in Baltimore took a tragic turn on Sunday when a mass shooting occurred, leaving two people dead and 28 others injured. Most of the victims were teenagers, officials said. The search for the shooters is ongoing, with investigators believing at least two individuals were involved in the incident.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced on Monday that a reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects has been raised to $28,000. “We will not rest until we find those who cowardly decided to shoot up this block party and carry out acts of violence with illegal guns,” Scott said in an interview with CNN.
The shooting occurred during the early hours of Sunday morning in the Brooklyn neighborhood of south Baltimore, where community members were enjoying the annual Brooklyn Day celebration. Aaliyah Gonzalez, 18, and Kylis Fagbemi, 20, were fatally shot, according to the Baltimore Police Department. The remaining victims, both adults and teenagers ranging in age from 13 to 19, all sustained gunshot wounds.
As authorities investigate the incident, they are examining every lead, reviewing surveillance footage, and urging community members to provide any relevant information. The Baltimore Police Department received multiple calls reporting the shooting around 12:30 a.m. Officers arrived to find Gonzalez dead and Fagbemi critically injured. Fagbemi later succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with an ice cream truck serving as a shelter for some of the injured. One witness, Keith, who was operating the truck, recounted trying to save Gonzalez’s life before realizing she had already passed away. He mentioned that his own daughters, aged 13 and 18, were extremely distressed but physically unharmed.
The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and officials are determining whether the victims were targeted or victims of random gunfire. The Baltimore Police Department is thoroughly examining the crime scene, which spans several blocks, and searching for additional evidence.
This tragic incident adds to the growing issue of gun violence in Baltimore and across the United States. Mayor Scott emphasized the need to address gun control and the illegal flow of firearms into the wrong hands. He also called for the same attention and concern given to rural communities when incidents like these occur in inner-city neighborhoods.
The Brooklyn neighborhood, where the shooting took place, is described as a working-class community with a rich history and a strong sense of pride. However, residents expressed their concern and frustration over the increasing gun violence in the area.
In response to the tragedy, the mayor’s office is providing information on available community-based services to assist residents affected by the shooting. Local residents and community leaders are calling for action to prevent further acts of violence and to ensure the safety and well-being of their neighborhood.