Fifth Teenager Arrested in Baltimore Mass Shooting
In the aftermath of a tragic mass shooting that unfolded during a Baltimore block party over the July 4 weekend, a fifth teenager has been apprehended. The incident left two people dead and 28 others injured.
The Arrest
Baltimore police made the announcement of the arrest on a Wednesday morning through a news release. According to detectives, they believe this 15-year-old teenager was responsible for opening fire on multiple people during the event.
As the teenager is a minor, their name remains undisclosed, and details regarding the allegations against them are not available due to sealed court records. It is also uncertain whether they have legal representation to speak on their behalf. However, the teenager is expected to face a total of 44 charges, including attempted first-degree murder.
Previous Arrest
Before this latest arrest, the same teenager was taken into custody on August 30 for an unrelated handgun violation, as stated in the news release. Subsequently, they were apprehended again on Wednesday at a Baltimore residence.
Other Arrests
This arrest marks the fifth in connection with the mass shooting. One of the teenagers is charged solely with possessing a handgun, while the others are accused of firing into the crowd.
Calls for Action
The incident has triggered widespread calls for action in response to a surge in youth violence in recent months. City leaders released a comprehensive report highlighting shortcomings in the police response to the shooting, which is believed to be the deadliest in Baltimore’s history. The report revealed that warnings about the gathering, which had nearly 1,000 attendees, some of whom appeared armed and unruly, were repeatedly disregarded by officers and supervisors. Most of the gunshot victims at the event were teenagers and young adults, attending the annual summer celebration at south Baltimore’s Brooklyn Homes public housing complex.
Acting Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley has consistently pledged accountability for all responsible parties, including the shooters and any officers who failed in their duties.
Mayor’s Statement
Mayor Brandon Scott expressed his concern, saying, “The devastating effects of this act of violence have continued to ripple through our city and especially our Brooklyn community. We will continue pursuing justice for our residents, and, while each arrest brings us closer, there is still a long road ahead to heal the trauma this community is experiencing.”