A mass shooting at a block party early Sunday morning in South Baltimore’s Brooklyn neighborhood killed two people and wounded 28 others — a victim tally that rivals any act of gun violence in the city in at least several decades.
What happened?
The gunfire erupted on the 800 block of Gretna Court in the Brooklyn Homes complex after midnight Sunday morning during the community’s “Brooklyn Day” celebration — an annual toast to the South Baltimore neighborhood with grilled foods, pony rides, face painting, dance competitions, music from a DJ, and appearances by Baltimore rappers Roddy Rackzz and OTR Chaz. Parents in the crowd before the shooting had babies strapped to their backs, residents said.
Acting Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said Sunday that the event was “unpermitted,” meaning police were not told about it in advance. He said he would be looking into what officers did once it was determined there was a large party.
While there has been a police presence at previous Brooklyn Day celebrations, residents noted there was not one this year. The president of the Fraternal Order of Police lodge representing Baltimore Police officers raised concerns Sunday that the patrol shift at the time of the shooting was “short-handed.” Councilwoman Phylicia Porter, who represents the neighborhood on the Baltimore City Council, said she was “infuriated” about the shooting, calling it a “breakdown” in security protocols and a “grave failure of our systems.”
Residents recalled multiple false alarms of gunshots as fireworks exploded during the block party ahead of July Fourth, as well as mentions during the party of someone having a gun.
But the unmistakable pops of gunfire that rang out about 12:35 a.m. ET prompted the hundreds of attendees to run away.
Investigators believe at least two shooters opened fire on the crowd. He said it’s not known whether the shootings were targeted or the result of shooters firing indiscriminately.
Who was hurt?
More than three-quarters of the 30 victims were teenagers, with children as young as 13 being struck by gunfire.
Of the 30 people killed or injured in the shooting, 23 were teenagers — 15 of them under 18. More than half were female.
Aaliyah Gonzales, 18, died at the scene. Kylis Fagbemi, 20, died at a hospital.
Two more people, who were not hit by gunfire, suffered minor injuries and were treated at hospitals, according to police.
The number of injuries from gunshots alone made the shooting likely the largest in Baltimore history. Official data about mass shootings dates back only to 2014, but no Baltimore shootings with more than a dozen victims have been logged since then. No records of larger acts of violence in Baltimore could be located Sunday.
By its victim count, the shooting is surpassed by the Pratt Street riot, a Civil War conflict that killed at least 11 civilians and five soldiers, and injured many more.
Kris Brown, president of the national gun violence prevention group Brady, said in a statement that the shooting came during what is usually the country’s deadliest weekend every year.
“Already, 2023 is on track to set the record for the highest number of mass shootings of any year in U.S. history,” Brown said.
What happens now?
Police had not publicly identified any suspects in the shooting by Sunday night. Officials encouraged those with information or video footage to share it with police. Those with information are asked to call investigators at 410-396-2100, or make an anonymous tip by calling the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-866-7LOCKUP or a texting a tip through the Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland website.
The tip-taking nonprofit said on social media Sunday that anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and charges can receive a cash reward of up to $8,000.
Meanwhile, residents reeled from the horror Sunday, telling reporters they’ve seen a drastic decline in resources in the South Baltimore neighborhood over recent years.
The Mayor’s Office for Neighborhood Safety and Engagement said Sunday that it would immediately start a response within the community to address trauma, working with community-based organizations and city agencies. The Brooklyn Homes Community Center will serve as a central place for various city agencies to provide residents immediate aid and services.
Those who are in emotional distress following the traumatic event, but don’t know who to reach, can contact the 988 Helpline for mental health support by dialing 988.
The Baltimore Community Mediation Center offers a variety of conflict resolution services that are free to the community, including confidential mediation sessions, conflict resolution training and large group facilitation.
