Statement on Anniversary of Brooklyn Homes Mass Shooting from Mayor Scott, MONSE, and the Entire Scott Administration

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, July 2, 2024) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued the following statement on behalf of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) and the entire Scott Administration to commemorate the anniversary of last year's Brooklyn Homes mass shooting that took the lives of 18-year-old Aaliyah Gonzalez and 20-year-old Kylis Fagbemi and injured another 28 victims.

"One year after the horrific mass shooting at Brooklyn Homes, the scars and trauma that it caused continue to ripple through our entire city. The tragedy shook our community to its core, forever impacted families, and irreversibly altered lives.

"As we mark the year anniversary of the worst mass shooting in our city's history, our hearts are first and foremost with those we lost, Aaliyah and Kylis, their families, those who were injured, and those who suffered wounds we may not be able to physically see. We share in their grief, their anger, and their desire to ensure that nothing like this happens again.

"The Brooklyn community - and our City as a whole - will never be the same. In the wake of this tragedy, we built so many deep and enduring relationships that will help redefine the story of Baltimore. Through our neighborhood stabilization work and the partnerships forged with residents and community-based organizations, we will continue to heal together.

"I want to thank everyone who has been a part of that healing and stabilization effort. MONSE in particular has built relationships with individuals and connections to the community that had never been felt in Brooklyn in such a large way before - and that work is now being used to inform and improve our work everywhere in the city. The outpouring of love that has been shown for Brooklyn and the active collaboration with local community-based organizations was not only instrumental in identifying how we can best tailor resources in the immediate aftermath, but has been a consistent source of comfort and support since then. Once again, Baltimore did what we always do - show up for our neighbors.

"Deep trauma of this nature is not something we can heal overnight, but I will reaffirm the commitment we made a year ago - we will continue showing up for one another forever. Whether it is mobilizing continued support services, addressing material needs for those who live here, or simply providing an ongoing presence, we will honor that commitment to everyone in Brooklyn Homes and to everyone impacted by this tragedy.

"There is still work to be done. We continue to learn from and implement passages of the comprehensive After Action Report produced last summer. BPD's investigation continues. And those who have already been identified and charged are still making their way through the judicial system.

"We will see that work through - just as we will continue to do the hard work of healing in whatever way possible. This tragedy and its impact will forever leave its mark on our city, but in commemorating today's anniversary, it is the outpouring of love and neighborly support, the determination to make a difference, and the memories of the lives we lost that are filling our hearts today."

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