Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Black Lives Matter activist — who said 'the police is no different from the KKK' — shot in head in London

Black Lives Matter activist — who said 'the police is no different from the KKK' — shot in head in London


Black Lives Matter activist Sasha Johnson joins anti-racists at a London protest on Dec. 11, 2020, after a video of a police officer appearing to strike a black teenager in the head outside went viral. (Photo by Guy Smallman/Getty Images)


Prominent Black Lives Matter activist Sasha Johnson was left in critical condition after being shot in the head in London, her political party told BBC News.

What are the details?

The Taking the Initiative Party, which Johnson helps lead, told the network she was taken to intensive care with life-threatening injuries after being "brutally attacked" early Sunday.

The party told BBC News that the attack followed "numerous death threats."

However, police said there was no evidence yet that the attack on the 27-year-old was targeted or that she received credible threats, the network added. BBC News also said they have not confirmed her identity.

Imarn Ayton, a friend of the victim, told the network that Johnson had been at a party or gathering when she was shot but did not believe she "was the intended victim."

"As far as I am aware ... this incident is more related to rival gangs as opposed to her activism," Ayton added to BBC News.

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," according to the network.

'The police is no different from the KKK'

As it happens, Johnson was caught on video last year giving a speech during which she noted that "the police is no different from the KKK."

She also said police "stand around and protect statues and buildings instead of people" and that "we need a black militia."

"We need our own political party," Johnson also declared, adding that the "back of racism is capitalism."

Content warning: Language:

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