Violence in Baltimore City Disturbing for Community Leaders

BALTIMORE (WBFF) - A routine patrol turned violent for Baltimore Police Officer Joshua Jackson Tuesday night in Federal Hill.

Police say as he chased the suspect, identified by police as Antonio Janifer, Janifer pulled a gun and shot Jackson.

"You have a horrific weekend, 10 killed 15 shot and then you have a police officer shot and chased into Federal Hill which is not usually a violent place," said former Baltimore police commissioner Ed Norris. "I think it underscores how dangerous Baltimore is no matter where you are."

There have been 10 people shot and killed since last Friday throughout Baltimore City according to police.

Ed Norris says violence is on the rise even as the city remains locked down due to the coronavirus.

"Can you imagine when things go back to normal if it's this violent now, especially if they close pools and rec centers and stuff this summer. I'm really bracing for a bad summer," he said.

Erricka Bridgeford, founder of Baltimore's Ceasefire movement says it's no surprise to her the violence hasn't come to a halt.

"A pandemic like this only emphasizes the injustices and inequities that already exist in our society," she said. "It's extremely heartbreaking."

She says more must be done.

"We can't pray our way out of a murder epidemic. We can't just get angry in the midst of it. We have to do things about it," she said.

Another community leader on a mission to end the bloodshed is Reverend Keith Bailey.

"The violence is just getting higher and higher," he said. "It's very out of control. It hurts me."

Also a police chaplain, Bailey says police need more support as the city spins out of control.

"People know that there's not enough officers out there so there's going to be crimes because they're like we can do what we wanna do," he said.