In the early hours of Sunday, a tragic incident unfolded in Baltimore as a mass shooting left over 30 individuals injured, tragically claiming the lives of two victims. What was supposed to be a joyful neighborhood block party quickly turned into a nightmarish scene resembling a “war zone,” according to a witness account.
Authorities revealed that an 18-year-old girl named Aaliyah Gonzales and a 20-year-old man named Kylis Fagbemi were the two fatal victims. Three individuals remained in critical condition among the injured, highlighting the severity of the incident.
During a press conference, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley disclosed that all the victims had sustained gunshot wounds. The age range of the victims spanned from 13 to 32 years old, with approximately 14 victims being minors.
The victims included teenage girls aged 13, 14, and 15, as well as young women aged 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, and 32. Among the injured were teenage boys aged 13 and 15, along with young men aged 16, 17, 18, 22, and 31, as confirmed by the Baltimore Police Department.
A witness, identified only as L.N., expressed the harrowing reality of the situation, stating, “It was a war zone. It was definitively a warzone.” This sentiment encapsulated the chaos and fear that permeated the scene.
The tragic incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. in Baltimore’s Brooklyn Homes neighborhood within the southern district. Multiple 911 calls alerted law enforcement to the sound of gunfire, prompting a swift response from police officers.
Commissioner Worley revealed that the mass shooting took place during an unauthorized large block party at the 800 block of Gretna Court. The event lacked proper permits, further underscoring the need for heightened security and oversight.
The investigation into the mass shooting is ongoing, as authorities work diligently to gather information and bring those responsible to justice. The community of Baltimore mourns the loss of life and prays for the recovery of the injured, seeking solace amidst the aftermath of this tragic event.
30 people shot and at least 2 dead from a “mass shooting” last night in Baltimore…
Those numbers indicate it was likely handguns used (not the “scary assault rifles” gun grabbers hate) and likely multiple killers firing.
Odds the guns used were purchased legally? Low…… pic.twitter.com/bqdtcbL1vN
— Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear) July 2, 2023
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley provided an update on the situation, stating, “When officers arrived at the scene, we discovered multiple victims with gunshot wounds.” Worley confirmed that authorities are actively seeking multiple suspects in connection with the incident.
As of now, no arrests have been made in relation to this senseless violence, which Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott described as a “reckless, cowardly act.” Speaking at a news conference near the crime scene, Mayor Scott expressed the city’s grief for the lives lost and offered support to those recovering from the mass shooting. He asserted, “We will not rest until we apprehend those cowards who callously shot dozens of people, resulting in loss of life.”
Commissioner Worley informed the media that investigators are meticulously reviewing security footage to identify potential suspects. Additionally, they are diligently working to uncover the motive behind the attack.
Addressing the perpetrators directly, Mayor Scott delivered a resolute message, saying, “I want to make it clear to those responsible that we will not cease our efforts until we locate you. And we will find you.”
The authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice and provide closure for the affected community.
BPD is on scene of a masa shooting incident in the 800 blk of Gretna Court in our Southern District. Acting Commissioner Worley and PIO are on scene. Media Staging Area will be located at the intersection of 6th Street and Audrey Avenue. pic.twitter.com/2JK5F09WMB
— Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) July 2, 2023
Mayor Scott and Commissioner Worley urged the community to assist in locating the individuals responsible for the shooting, emphasizing the importance of reporting any information by calling 911.
In alignment with their plea, Mayor Scott appealed to community members, urging them to treat this tragic event as if it directly impacted their own families or neighborhoods. He implored, “Imagine how you would want to be treated if you were mourning or if this incident occurred in your own community.”
The identities of the deceased victims have not yet been disclosed.
A witness named L.N., who was leaving the annual “Brooklyn Day” neighborhood block party, recounted the terrifying moment she recognized the sound of gunfire. Amidst the chaos, with people frantically running in all directions, L.N. encountered two young women who had been shot. She swiftly rendered aid by placing them in her car and rushing to MedStar Harbor Hospital, disregarding traffic rules to ensure their prompt medical attention. L.N. vividly described the distress of one of the wounded women, who cried out in pain with each jolt on the road.
L.N. expressed her concern for the young victims, emphasizing their youth and vulnerability. “I wanted them babies to be OK. They are babies. These are young people, very young people, that were out there,” she shared with heartfelt concern.
Commissioner Worley provided an update on the injured victims, stating that nine individuals, including the young man who tragically lost his life, were transported to nearby hospitals by ambulance. Furthermore, an additional 20 victims sought medical treatment for gunshot wounds by walking into emergency rooms throughout the region.
As of the Sunday afternoon update, Worley revealed that the majority of victims had been released from the hospitals, with only a few remaining in critical condition. He acknowledged the extensive nature of the crime scene, anticipating a prolonged investigation by the dedicated team of detectives.
Governor Wes Moore of Maryland released a statement condemning the incident, emphasizing the need to address gun violence in the state. He expressed frustration at the recurring occurrence of such senseless acts and affirmed the commitment to take necessary actions to prevent further tragedies.
The community mourns the loss of life and collectively stands against the rampant gun violence that has devastating consequences for individuals and communities alike.