By John O’connor A jury was seated Oct. 20 in the murder trial of an Illinois sheriff’s deputy charged with killing Sonya Massey, a Black woman shot in her home last year after calling police for help. Opening statements took place on Oct. 22 in the case against Sean Grayson after a jury of 10 […]
Category: Stop Killing Us
Posted inStop Killing Us
After losing their children to police violence, these mothers are fighting for change
After losing their children to police violence, Maryland mothers Marion Gray-Hopkins and Rhanda Dormeus turned their grief into a fight for justice. Through the Coalition of Concerned Mothers, they support other impacted families and push for reforms, like ending qualified immunity.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore sees progress on gun violence
Baltimore’s recent drop in gun violence, including a record-low number of homicides in April, signals progress driven by focused intervention strategies like the Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS). Experts warn, however, that cuts to federal funding and growing online threats could undermine fragile gains. Leaders are calling for sustained investment, youth engagement and statewide collaboration to keep the momentum going.
Posted inNational News
MPD under fire for promoting officer who killed Amir Locke
Community members condemned the Minneapolis Police Department for appointing Sgt. Mark Hanneman—who killed Amir Locke in a 2022 no-knock raid—as a use-of-force training officer. Activists called the move disrespectful and demanded accountability from city leaders, including Mayor Jacob Frey.
Posted inMaryland News
Community rally honors three young men lost to gun violence
A July 12 rally at Athletic Republic in District Heights, Maryland, will honor Shahid Omar Jr., Myles Prentice and Donnell Stephenson—three young men lost to gun violence. The event, hosted by Kim Lee King and supported by the S.E.L.F. Foundation, will feature guest speakers, music, food and a raffle to remember the lives lost and call for justice.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore police release bodycam video in fatal shooting of 70-year-old woman
Baltimore police have released bodycam footage showing the fatal shooting of 70-year-old Pytorcarcha Clark-Brooks, a mentally ill woman who approached officers with a knife during a welfare check. The NAACP is demanding an independent investigation, condemning the use of lethal force and calling for systemic change in how mental health crises are handled.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore City NAACP speaks on death of man killed in police involved shooting
Officials are investigating the circumstances of a police-involved shooting near the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave. and Laurens St. on June 17. According to the Baltimore City NAACP, the man killed was Bilal “BJ” Abdullah.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Judge dismisses murder charges against Atlanta officer in 2019 shooting of unarmed man in closet
A federal judge dismissed murder charges against former Atlanta officer Sung Kim, ruling he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot unarmed Jimmy Atchison in 2019 during a fugitive task force operation. The decision sparked outrage from activists and Atchison’s family, who say it highlights a lack of accountability for officers on federal task forces and undermines efforts to address police violence.
Posted inStop Killing Us
Catholic Sisters launch “Put the Guns Down” campaign across Baltimore
Eight congregations of Catholic sisters in Baltimore are launching a city-wide “Put the Guns Down” ad campaign in June 2025 to raise awareness about gun violence and promote peace during Gun Violence Awareness Month.
Posted inStop Killing Us
After George Floyd’s death, teachers lead push for inclusive curriculum
Since the death of George Floyd, many educators have taken it upon themselves to introduce lessons on racial equity, justice and emotional resilience—especially in underserved communities. Despite little change in the official curriculum, teachers say students are asking hard questions, and they’re answering with compassion, honesty and culturally relevant content.
Posted inStop Killing Us
From tragedy to Trial: Keith Ellison reflects on the fight for accountability
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is the first African American and first Muslim American elected to statewide office in Minnesota. He successfully led a team of attorneys in the rare conviction of an on-duty police officer, Derek Chauvin – the man responsible for the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.
Posted inStop Killing Us
Five years after George Floyd: A look at policing under a new administration
Shifts in policy related to policing are raising concern, as activists and experts voice concern about lost progress.