We at Black History Month are saddened to report that prominent Black Lives Matter activist Sasha Johnson is in a critical condition after being shot.

Sasha Johnson black live matter activist and organiser of million people march in London last August

We understand that she was being treated in intensive care after being shot in the head in the early hours of Sunday morning in south London.

 

The Metropolitan Police said a 27-year-old woman was shot shortly before 03:00 hrs at a gathering in Southwark. The force has not confirmed the woman’s identity.

Officers said the woman was taken to a south London hospital with life-threatening injuries and have appealed for witnesses. Her family have been informed.

Police said at this stage there was no evidence to suggest it was a targeted shooting or that she had received any credible threats against her prior to the incident.

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command have been conducting enquiries at the scene in Consort Road and the surrounding area and are pursuing several lines.

It is believed that the shooting occurred near a house where a party was taking place and that several people may have been in the area, a Met police statement said.

Family Supported

Detective Chief Inspector Jimi Tele said: “This was a shocking incident that has left a young woman with very serious injuries. Our thoughts are with her family who are being provided with support at this terribly difficult time.”

He said detectives were making progress but needed the public’s help: “If you saw anything suspicious in the Consort Road area in the early hours of Sunday morning or if you have heard information since that could help detectives, it is crucial that you get in touch.”

Sasha Johnson, a graduate of Oxford Brookes University, has been a leading figure in the Black Lives Matter movement in the UK and is a member of the Taking the Initiative Party’s leadership committee.

In a statement on Instagram, the party said Ms Johnson was a mother of two, and a “powerful voice” who had always been fighting for black people and the injustices that surround the black community.

Let’s all come together and pray for Sasha, pray for her recovery and show our support to her family and loved ones,” it said.

Claudia Webbe Labour the MP for Leicester East was among those who went online to express “solidarity” with Ms Johnson.

“As a member of Parliament, I stand in full solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and I stand with her work in the Black Lives Matter movement.”

Shocking to hear of the gunshot to the head of Sasha Johnson; All women should be safe on our streets. Wishing her a full recovery. Sending love and solidarity to her family, friends and loved ones. There are still too many guns and violent weapons damaging too many lives.”

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 us all come together and pray for Sasha, pray for her recovery, and show our support to her family and loved ones.