Well-known British Black Lives Matter activist Sasha Johnson was shot and critically wounded last weekend. Her shooting has shaken up the British community and led to an outpouring of prayers and support from activists overseas and in the United States. Taking The Initiative, an economic and political party, broke the tragic news through Facebook on Sunday morning.
"It is with great sadness that we inform you that our own Sasha Johnson has sustained a gunshot wound to her head. She is currently hospitalized and in critical condition. The incident happened in the early hours of this morning, following numerous death threats," Taking The Initiative stated.
"Sasha has always been actively fighting for black people and the injustices that surround the black community, as well as being both a member of BLM and a member of Taking the Initiative Party’s Executive Leadership Committee. Sasha is also a mother of 3 and a strong, powerful voice for our people and our community. Let’s all come together and pray for Sasha, pray for her recovery and show our support to her family and loved ones."
Leading up to the shooting, Johnson had received "numerous death threats as a result of her activism." Local police are currently looking for witnesses and asking the public for assistance.
“We are all hoping that this young woman’s condition improves. Our investigation is in its early stages and urgent inquiries are underway to establish the circumstances," London Metropolitan Detective Chief Jimi Tele said.
"I would appeal to the residents of Consort Road and the surrounding area to check any doorbell or dashcam footage for any suspicious activity that may relate to this investigation."
A vigil in honor of Johnson is planned to take place in South London on Monday evening.
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