A double shooting directly outside Baltimore City Hall has left one man dead and another wounded, with police investigating the late-night violence as a potential gang-related targeted attack.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Fayette and Gay Streets at approximately 10 p.m. on 13 November, shaking a community that had been cautiously optimistic about a recent drop in crime statistics.
Police confirmed that a 37-year-old man was killed at the scene, while a 35-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to his arm and is expected to survive. Law enforcement officials have recovered a vehicle of interest, described as an Infinity, and are probing possible gang connections.
The Baltimore Police Department has classified the shooting as a “high-profile incident” and is actively canvassing the area for additional witnesses and video footage.
Mayor Brandon Scott condemned the attack, stating it was “unacceptable” and vowing to boost police patrols in the vicinity. The families of the victims are now planning vigils, their grief compounded by demands for greater safety in the city’s core.
This shooting represents a significant setback for Baltimore, which had recorded a 20 per cent year-to-date reduction in homicides prior to this incident.
The brazen nature of the attack, occurring at a major civic landmark, echoes a similar shooting in the Federal Hill area in 2023 and underscores the persistent challenge of gang turf wars.
The economic impact is immediate, with local businesses fearing a downturn and tourism officials estimating a potential £4 million loss. The violence is likely to intensify scrutiny of the city’s £40 million violence interrupter programme, raising concerns that without a more effective strategy, such high-profile incidents could escalate further.
Written by Were Kelly
Sources: Baltimore Sun (baltimoresun.com).
