Deadly violence continues to plague Baltimore, increasing at an alarming rate with 32 people killed in the first 26 days of the year, which is 13 more than at this point in 2021.
Amid the wave of violence this past month, people living in Baltimore are feeling vulnerable. A number of residents said they are feeling less safe than they did a few months ago, while others said they accept crime as part of living in a major city.
“I’m frustrated, I’m furious. This is ridiculous. I can’t walk home without worrying about getting shot. I’m upset,” said Michael Bonds, a waiter in the Fells Point neighborhood.
Bonds is livid after losing his friend to gun violence. Chesley Patterson, the general manager of the prominent La Scala restaurant was gunned down on Sunday after a night on the job.
“I mean, that’s too close to home for me. I live here, I work here, and I’m scared to leave work to come home,” he said.
Bonds says the recent murders and rise in violence in the city is leaving him scared to be out alone at night. “The whole time I walk home, I have to look back over my shoulder,” he said.
Not everyone said they feel like a target, but they are still watching their surroundings closely, too.
Brina Furman says the crime spree is “heartbreaking” and it makes her feel, as a woman “who is walking around in the city at night alone, very often hesitant.”
Others are numb to the violence, according to Paul Robinson, who says, at this point: “You try to make the city the best that you can.”
At Max’s Taphouse, there’s a drop-off in business that the owner says is a result of the rise in crime.
“It’s definitely had an impact. I mean, the perception is that across the board that Baltimore is a dangerous city,” said Ron Furman, the owner of Max’s Taphouse.
He says Baltimore is not alone when it comes to a high crime rate, but he’s instructing his staff to take extra precautions.
“I think that I’m more cautious than I’ve ever been. I’m more cautious for my employees I’m more worried about my kids, my family,” he added.
Some living here are so consumed with worry about crime, they’re even thinking it’s time to leave the city for good.
“Everyday you hear that someone got shot. I don’t really feel that safe so that’s why I’m trying to move away,” said Omira Ruff.