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'It is heartbreaking': Local leaders, advocates plead for change after two major shootings in January

Mass shooting at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Laurens Street
Posted at 11:02 PM, Jan 29, 2023
and last updated 2023-01-30 07:55:37-05

BALTIMORE — A 43-year-old man is dead and four others - including two children - are injured after a Saturday shooting and crash.

Three total people were shot, and a 3-year-old and a 2-month-old are recovering in the hospital from the crash, police clarified Sunday.

"Someone should at least come anonymous and give some information or something," A woman, who’s asked to remain anonymous, told WMAR-2 News, yards away from the scene in West Baltimore. "Because it’s children; they didn’t ask for that.”

The Saturday incident was the second major shooting in Baltimore this month alone, weeks after a shooting at the Edmondson Village Shopping Center involving five high school-age victims.

A teen, Deanta Dorsey, died in that shooting.

This month, local gun reform advocates are scheduled to head down to Annapolis to campaign for change.

"This month has been a very deadly and tragic month in America to start the new year, but especially, it really hits home for Baltimore," said Melissa Ladd, a mother and a schoolteacher who volunteers with the Maryland chapter of the Moms Demand Action group, a national network fighting against gun violence.

The organization is planning a day of advocacy this Tuesday with leaders in Annapolis, rallying behind policy aims, like changing concealed carry laws and recourse for victims against gun companies.

"It is heartbreaking to think that we are not keeping our children safe when they’re just going to get lunch. Or they’re riding in a car. So, it’s unacceptable, and we need to do all that we can in all the different ways we know work,” said Ladd.

With this case in particular, there is much work to be done for Baltimore police, as the city's police chief and mayor each plead for the public to help.

“Children are injured, fighting for their lives, all because of some conflict that could’ve been resolved in a much different way,” said Baltimore City Police Commissioner Michael Harrison Saturday evening.

"Somebody can stand tall right now," said Mayor Brandon Scott. "That’s how you really start to change yourself and change your community."

Police said many bystanders were in the area when the Saturday shooting took place. As of Sunday evening, officers had not released a motive, or the names of any potential suspects.