WORLD NEWS FLASH
UNITED STATES
The epidemic of mass shootings in America continues, this time with a bevy of high school aged victims.
On July 2, 2023, at approximately 12:35 a.m., officers with the Baltimore Police Department responded to multiple calls at the 800 block of Gretna Court of a reported shooting. The incident occurred at a block party.
Upon arrival, officers located multiple shooting victims. Preliminarily, there are 30 total shooting victims. Nine victims were transported from the scene to local hospitals, while 20 victims walked into area hospitals across the region. So far, three victims have been listed in critical condition.
Sadly, there were two fatalities. The deceased victims have been identified as 18-year-old Aaliyah Gonzalez and 20-year-old Kylis Fagbemi.
The non-fatal female victims injured were one 13-year-old, one 14-year-old, two 15-year-olds, three 16-year-olds, two 17-year-olds, two 18-year-olds, three 19-year-olds, one 20-year-old, one 23-year-old and one 32-year-old.
The non-fatal male victims injured were one 13-year-old, one 15-year-old, two 16-year-old, two 17-year-olds, three 18-year-olds, one 22-year-old and one 31-year-old.
As of press time, no suspects are in custody, and no motive has been established. Homicide detectives have assumed control over the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Homicide detectives at 410-396-2100.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may utilize the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line, at 1-866-7LOCKUP. You may also text tips through the Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland website.
Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
“We will not stop until we find you, and we will find you,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.
The incident elicited reaction as far as New Jersey. In a statement, NJ Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said:
“Families and neighbors gathering together at block parties, beaches, and cookouts in celebration of this incredible nation’s independence should be able to do so without the threat of gun violence. Our hearts ache for those impacted by the mass shooting in Baltimore. We pray for the recovery of those injured and traumatized by what occurred. We grieve for those lost to this senseless act of violence and extend our sympathy to all those who loved them. And we support the first responders and medical professionals rendering aid and the many officers working to bring those responsible to justice.
“Enough is enough. We need to do better. We must end gun violence in this country.”
In addition to this incident, there were also high profile shootings in Philadelphia, PA and Fort Worth, TX.
In the PA shooting, five people were killed by a gunman armed with a handgun, AR-15 and bulletproof vest. The unnamed suspect was apprehended after a foot chase.
In Texas, 17 people were shot across four separate incidents, with three fatalities. The suspect or suspects are still at large.
MASS SHOOTING UPDATE
Information recent as of 7-4-2023 at 12 p.m.
2023 Mass Shooting Stats: (Source: Mass Shooting Tracker – https://www.massshootingtracker.site/data/?year=2023)
Total Mass Shootings: 405
Total Dead: 530
Total Wounded: 1600
Shootings Per Day: 2.19
Days Reached in Year 2023 as of June 27: 185
Latest High Profile Incident (See above)
AFRICA
“BLUE HELMETS” LEAVING MALI
The Security Council on June 30 unanimously approved the complete withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces in Mali, although it will take six months for the final “blue helmets” to depart.
Security Council members reiterated strong support for the full withdrawal of the decade-old UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), and the transfer of security responsibilities to the country’s transitional Government, which has been in power since a coup in 2021.
Commending the peacekeeping operation and its staff, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the “full cooperation of the transitional Government for an orderly and safe withdrawal of the mission’s personnel and assets in the coming months,” said Farhan Haq, his deputy spokesperson.
The UN chief also urged all the signatory parties to the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali “to continue honoring the ceasefire as MINUSMA withdraws,” Mr. Haq said.
However, the UN chief remains concerned by the fact that the level and duration of the financial commitment authority required to facilitate the drawdown process have been significantly reduced during budget negotiations in the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee, the deputy spokesperson said, adding that “this increases the complexities and risks of the drawdown operation.”
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General will continue to engage with the transitional Government on how best to serve the interests of the people of Mali in cooperation with the UN Country Team in Mali, the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and other partners.
By the terms of the adopted resolution, MINUSMA will begin drawing down its presence on Saturday and will completely withdraw from Mali by Jan. 1, 2024.
The Council also authorized the mission to respond with force to imminent threats of violence to civilians and contribute to the safe civilian-led delivery of humanitarian assistance, up to Sept. 30.
Established by the Council in 2013 following a coup the previous year, the mission’s presence, as of February 2023, stands at more than 15,000 personnel, according to MINUSMA.
Media reports have depicted a grim security landscape. Over the past decade, Mali and the Sahel region have seen a surge in clashes and attacks by armed groups and terrorist affiliates, with 303 peacekeepers killed, according to MINUSMA.
Conditions have also worsened due to climate shocks, and rising intercommunal tensions over scarce resources that have become the main drivers of continued violence, mass displacement, instability, and cross-border trafficking.
While MINUSMA did not achieve all of its goals, Mali’s Ambassador Issa Konfourou said the mission has made gains in such areas as human rights.
Ahead of the withdrawal, he said the Malian Government will ensure compliance with the terms of the mission’s disengagement within the established timeframe.
In addition, Mali will continue to work tirelessly to protect civilians over all its territory, he said, paying tribute to peacekeepers’ contributions.
However, he regretted that the Council continues to consider the current situation in Mali as a “threat to international security,” pointing to such gains made as a resumption of constitutional order and the advance of the Algiers Process towards achieving lasting peace.
EUROPE
MORE STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR FLU VACCINE
All secondary school pupils in England will be offered a free flu vaccine from September for the 2023-24 season, the government has confirmed on July 4.
An initial list of groups eligible for this year’s vaccine was first announced in May, with a note that a decision on secondary school pupils would follow at a later date.
Now, the government has confirmed it is expanding the program to over three million pupils in secondary school years 7 to 11, who will be offered the vaccine as a nasal spray through their school’s vaccination program from September 1.
The expansion gives direct protection to pupils receiving the vaccine and provides indirect protection to more vulnerable groups by reducing the spread of the virus.
Health Minister Maria Caulfield said: “Expanding the offer of flu vaccination to all secondary school pupils this winter will provide millions of young people with extra protection.
“Importantly, this will also reduce the risk of transmission to more vulnerable groups, including the elderly, reducing hospitalizations and freeing up bed capacity across the NHS.
“Last winter we saw the devastating impact this illness can have, so it is important all pupils take up the offer of the flu vaccine to protect themselves and their loved ones from falling unwell.”
The decision to expand the program is in line with a long-standing recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI), which highlights the benefits of directly protecting school-aged children from flu, and the indirect benefits to the wider population.
NHS school aged immunization services will be undertaking the vaccinations from September during the autumn term.
All primary school children and infants aged 2 and 3 will also be offered the flu vaccine, as previously announced in May.
Eligible groups are urged to take up the offer from September before the flu season begins, to give themselves the best possible protection in winter.
“NHS Director of Vaccinations and Screening Steve Russell said: “Last winter we saw how quickly flu can spread within communities, so I’m pleased to see the flu vaccination offer being extended to secondary school children in the autumn term.
“The vaccine offers vital protection against flu which can cause nasty symptoms, and I would urge all young people and parents to make sure they join millions of others who get vaccinated each year to take up the offer when they can – it’s quick, easy and offered in schools, so there’s really no reason to delay when you receive the offer.”
“Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunization, UKHSA, said: “Getting the flu vaccine offers the best protection against the virus. It is important everyone eligible takes up the offer, including secondary school pupils as they can fall very sick. Last year we saw some teenagers hospitalized with flu.
“Expanding the vaccination to secondary school pupils will help to reduce flu from being spread, protecting their friends and family and easing the burden on the NHS.”
Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “Following the disruption caused by the pandemic, it’s important that children are able to attend school as much as possible.
“We know that school attendance levels drop over the winter months due to illness, which is why today’s announcement will not only protect children’s health but also their education.”
