15 Minors Among 30 Shot At Baltimore Block Party: Police

BALTIMORE, MD — Two died and 28 more were shot overnight when at least two people opened fire at a block party in South Baltimore, according to police. The victims ranged in age from 13 to 32 years old, and 15 of them were minors, police said.

Aaliyah Gonzalez, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene and Kylis Fagbemi, 20, died at a hospital, according to police, who said three others were in critical condition.

The shooting took place just after 12:30 a.m. Sunday in the Brooklyn Homes area, said Richard Worley, Baltimore's acting police commissioner. No arrests had been made by late afternoon. Worley said it wasn't clear if the shooting was targeted or random.

Nine victims were taken from the scene to local hospitals, and 20 victims walked into area hospitals, police said. Nine remained hospitalized Sunday afternoon. The University of Maryland Medical Center confirmed it treated four patients at its pediatric emergency department as well as 12 patients at its R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center.

“This morning all of Baltimore is grieving the lives that we lost here and our hearts are with all those who are still recovering,” Mayor Brandon Scott said during an early morning press conference streamed by WBAL, adding the shooting highlighted the impact of illegal guns in Baltimore.

“I want those who are responsible to hear me, hear me very clearly. We will not stop until we find you, and we will find you.”

Authorities were reviewing video and talking to witnesses to identify suspects, police said at the press conference.

Gov. Wes Moore said in a prepared statement his administration was in touch with local officials and would provide any resources needed to assist.

“Last night, we saw yet another mass shooting strike our community where a celebratory gathering turned deadly," the governor said.

"Maryland has had enough of watching gun violence continue to ravage our state and our nation. The fact that these horrific shootings continue to take place is abominable. We as a state will continue to do everything we can to prevent senseless acts of violence like the one we saw last night."

Sen. Chris Van Hollen in a statement on Twitter called for "urgent action to end this senseless cycle of gun violence."

The attack in Baltimore occurred as federal prosecutors there this week touted their efforts to reduce violent crime in the city. Police have reported nearly 130 homicides and close to 300 shootings so far this year, though that's down from the same time last year. Authorities have vowed to crack down aggressively on repeat violent offenders.

A police union official said in an email Sunday there were no officers specifically assigned to the gathering.

"There were only three officers assigned to the Brooklyn area of Baltimore City's Southern District. This is a large area, and to police it safely and effectively you need about seven to eight officers per shift," said Mike Mancuso, president of the Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3.

Mancuso said about 2,800 officers are needed to effectively police the city, but staffing is down to about 2,100.

Worley said Sunday afternoon that the department hadn't been aware in advance that the event was happening, and he said organizers hadn't received a permit. He said that the department would examine its response.

Anyone with information is urged to contact homicide detectives at 410-396-2100.
To remain anonymous, use the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line, at 1-866-756-2587 or text tips through the Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland website.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.