Black Lives Matter activist in critical condition after London shooting

27-year-old Sasha Johnson was shot in the head in the early hours of Sunday morning

Author: Sophie ParsonsPublished 24th May 2021
Last updated 24th May 2022

A black equal rights activist is in a critical condition in hospital after being shot in the head when violence erupted at a party.

Sasha Johnson is fighting for her life after being shot in the early hours of Sunday morning in Peckham, South East London.

According to police there is no evidence that it was a targeted attack.

As a member of the Taking The Initiative Party (TTIP), the 27-year-old mother of 3 is credited with being a key figure in organising the Black Lives Matter protests in the UK following the death of George Floyd last year.

In a statement confirming the news, the TTIP said: “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 hospitalised and in a critical condition.

“The incident happened in the early hours of this morning, following numerous death threats.

“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.”

Meanwhile, police have issued an appeal for witnesses of the shooting of a 27-year-old but have refused to confirm the identity of the victim.

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.

“A dedicated team of detectives is working tirelessly to identify the person or persons responsible for this shooting.

“They are making good progress but they need 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.”

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