BALTIMORE (AP) — Officials say a well-known anti-violence activist in Baltimore has been shot to death on the city’s streets.
Officials say 47-year-old Dante Barksdale was shot in the head Sunday morning at a housing project in the southeastern part of the city.
My heart is broken with the loss of my friend Dante Barksdale, someone who committed his life to saving lives in Baltimore. I'm devastated by the loss of my Brother and will not let those who chose to violently take his life dampen the light of his work. pic.twitter.com/cvjqWm2PnY
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) January 17, 2021
Mayor Brandon M. Scott described Barksdale in a news release as the “heart and soul” of the Safe Streets anti-violence program.
Baltimore has had more than 300 murders in each of the past six years.
The violence has drawn the attention of state officials, but Democrats who control the General Assembly have balked at Republican Gov. Larry Hogan crime-fighting proposals.
Dante Barksdale used his life to save others by preventing gun violence on our streets. He beat a myriad of odds to do it. Dante was my friend, and I grieve with countless others at the murder of this exceptional man. I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/g4ypsJZqzo
— Nick J. Mosby (@Nick_Mosby) January 17, 2021