Advertisement

Sasha Johnson: Political party questions police claim there were no ‘credible death threats’

Sasha Johnson (PA Wire)
Sasha Johnson (PA Wire)

Police investigating the shooting of Black Lives Matter activist Sasha Johnson have been criticised by her political party for claiming it was not a targeted attack.

Ms Johnson is in critical condition in hospital after she was shot in the head in Peckham, south-east London, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police have said they don’t believe the shooting was targeted and there is nothing to suggest she received "credible death threats".

However, The Taking the Initiative Party (TTIP), who said the attack came after received “numerous death threats”, has criticised the police over these claims and questioned how they can know it wasn’t an intended hit if they haven’t spoken to the campaigner.

In a statement, shared on Instagram on Tuesday morning, the organisation said: “The irony is in the fact that the police have stated there is no clear evidence that Sasha was the target of the attack, and that there are no credible death threats made towards her.

"However, how have the police come to this conclusion without being able to speak to Sasha regarding the death threats and investigate?

"Do the police know who the target of the attack was, in order to conclude that Sasha wasn’t? How does one manage to shoot someone in the head accidentally?

"Surely, to end up in hospital having sustained a bullet shot to the head, makes a death threat more credible."

Despite these claims, the police have stressed that there is no evidence to suggest this was a targeted attack.

In their latest statement, Commander Alison Heydari said: "We are aware of Sasha’s involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement in the UK and I understand the concern this will cause to some communities – however I wish to stress that at this time there is nothing to suggest Sasha was the victim of a targeted attack.

"We are also not aware of any reports of threats made against her prior to this incident.

"I want to take this opportunity to reassure you that we are doing everything possible to identify those responsible and to bring them to justice.

"Tackling violent crime on the streets of London is a top priority for the Met, and the people of London have a vital role to play in that.”

Commander Alison Heydari said from their enquires, they’ve established that Ms Johnson attended a house party on Consort Road in Peckham early on Sunday morning.

At around, 3am, a group of four black males dressed in dark coloured clothing entered the garden of the property and discharged a firearm.

They had left the scene before officers arrived.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting reference CAD1172/23MAY or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Read More

Black equal rights activist was shot when group of men opened fire at party

Who is Sasha Johnson, the BLM activist shot in London?

Black equal rights activist fighting for life after party shooting