BALTIMORE (WBFF) — A deadly shooting outside a Royal Farms store near the Horseshoe Casino in south Baltimore has left residents concerned about safety in the bustling entertainment corridor.
The incident happened at about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday when a 26-year-old man was found shot multiple times in the parking lot and later pronounced dead. A second victim, a 22-year-old man, arrived at a hospital injured and is expected to survive.
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The shooting took place in a busy area, with M&T Bank Stadium nearby, where thousands, including former President Donald Trump, are expected for the Army-Navy football game this Saturday.
Baltimore resident Donna Swecker expressed her concerns, saying, “The Army Navy game, bring some soldiers, because that’s how bad Baltimore city’s gotten.”
Swecker, who previously worked at the Royal Farms store, added, “They can’t keep a manager here because of all the crime right here.”
Despite claims that crime numbers are down, Swecker dismissed them as “just paperwork.”
City Councilwoman Phylicia Porter represents the area where the shooting happened. FOX45 News reached out to her by phone, asking her about the deadly shooting and pressing her about residents’ concerns about the violence in the area. Porter said she would call back, but by late Wednesday night, she had yet to comment on the incident.
However, City Councilman Mark Conway, chair of the Public Safety Committee, acknowledged residents’ worries with a statement that reads in part:
I understand why residents are worried about recent events near the Horseshoe Casino. This is a busy area, and people should feel safe attending events.”
He assured that he regularly communicates with the police to prioritize community safety.
Baltimore resident Chuck Howell remarked, “It doesn’t shock me. Uhm, it’s a very violent city,” highlighting the lack of police officers to patrol the area.
Howell added, “It’s not enough police officers to patrol the city. So, you have violence, acts of violence in the city, especially with the juveniles.”
There are numerous cameras in the area, including at the store and CitiWatch, but so far, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.