Black Lives Matter activist Sasha Johnson in critical condition after being shot

By Alyssa Wilson Published: May 24, 2021

Black Lives Matter activist Sasha Johnson in critical condition after being shot

FILE - In this Saturday, June 13, 2020 file photo Sasha Johnson, of the Black Lives Matter movement attends a protest at Hyde Park in London. Johnson, a British Black Lives Matter campaigner is in a critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound to her head, a statement from her political party, Taking the Initiative Party, has said. Johnson, both a BLM activist and senior member of TTIP, was attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning, the latter group said in a statement. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali, File)

By: Alyssa Wilson

Sasha Johnson, a Black Lives Matter activist, is in critical condition after being shot in the head in south London.

The announcement was made by the Taking the Initiative Party on social media. They said, “It is with great sadness that we inform you that our own Sasha Johnson has been brutally attacked and sustained a gunshot wound to her head. She is currently in intensive care and in critical condition.”

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The group says she was attacked in the morning after receiving death threats due to her activism in the community. “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,” the organization wrote.

The Taking the Initiative Party has been described as Britain’s first Black-led political party, The Guardian reported. Johnson rose in prominence due to her activism, organizing and speaking at Black Lives Matter protests.

The Metropolitan police said Johnson was found just before 3 a.m. after officers were called for reports of gunshots in Peckham in southeast London.

A spokesperson said the investigation is in the early stages, but they do not have evidence to suggest the attack was targeted. The spokesperson also said they do not have information to prove death threats against Johnson were credible.

This is a developing story that will be updated.

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