Council President Brandon Scott Releases Statement on Shooting of Police Officer in Southwest Baltimore

Council President Brandon Scott Releases Statement on Shooting of Police Officer in Southwest Baltimore

“We must focus on the individuals causing this pain while we also begin to build better communities.”

BALTIMORE, MD (June 14, 2020) -- Council President Brandon M. Scott released the following statement in response to the shooting of a police officer this morning in Southwest Baltimore:

"Early this morning, a police officer was shot as he and other officers were attempting to disperse a large party.

My prayers are with the officer and his family now that he is out of surgery and begins his road to recovery. He deserves our respect and gratitude, as do all our brave officers who continue to put their lives on the line each day to protect our residents and our communities amidst this pandemic.

Since the beginning of COVID-19, our officers have worked non-stop to ensure the safety of Baltimoreans. It is irresponsible and disappointing that people continue to put their own lives - and our entire community - at risk by having gatherings during a public health pandemic. 

We as a city suffer from two public health crises, COVID-19 and gun violence. More than 10 people have been shot in Baltimore this weekend alone. In recent weeks, we have lost the lives of teenagers, seniors, and beloved members of the media. This should serve as a reminder to us all that we must focus on the individuals causing this pain while we also begin to build better communities. 

It is more imperative than ever that we make responsible decisions to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, especially as the state and the city continue to battle coronavirus, and enter the early phases of recovery.

I thank each and every law enforcement officer for the risks they take each day and the work they do on behalf of our community to make Baltimore safer.

A suspect from this morning’s shooting is in custody."