Sasha Johnson is critically ill after being shot in the head. Her party, The Taking the Initiative Party (TTIP) said she was being treated in intensive care after being “brutally attacked” in the early hours of Sunday.
The 27-year-old has life-threatening injuries following the shooting on Consort Road, in Peckham, south London. TTIP said Ms Johnson had undergone an operation and remained in critical care, in recovery post-surgery.
A vigil was held in Ruskin Park, close to King’s College Hospital, where Ms Jackson is being treated. Well-wishers played African drums and prayed for Ms Johnson to pull through.
One speaker told the crowd: “In every community, there are good eggs and bad eggs and we have to make sure those bad eggs are held accountable for their actions. Because it is not acceptable for those bad eggs to be attacking our warriors – be they male or female.
“Warriors who are out there every day without pay working for our families, working for our communities.”
After fears grew among other activists that it was a targeted attack, Charles Gordon, one of TTIP’s founding members said: “I would like to say that we need to stay cautious and aware; the truth is that we don’t know what has happened here.”
A party spokesman said: “Whilst we understand there is much speculation around the nature of the incident, our priority is Sasha’s health and recovery.”
Detectives said there was currently nothing to suggest the shooting victim had received any credible threats against her and have appealed for witnesses.
Social Media Tributes from Across the World
Tributes on social media have been pouring in from all over the world since the shocking attack on the young mother.
Tamika Mallory, a well-known US activist posted on her Instagram account: “Pull through sis! People think it is a game out here. Smh. #SashaJohnson“.
While Labour MP for Tottenham David Lammy tweeted: “This is gut-wrenching. Praying for Sasha Johnson, her family and friends that she makes a full recovery #BlackLivesMatter”.
And Harriet Harman, the Labour MP for Camberwell and Peckham, tweeted: “Whoever carried out this dreadful shooting of Sasha Johnson needs to be caught quickly. Give any info you have to MPSSouthwark. Reported death threats will need to be investigated. Wishing her a full recovery. With thanks to the NHS for much-needed expertise and care.”
Sasha Organised a Black Lives Matter Protest in Oxford
Ms Johnson was a well-known anti-racism campaigner who organised a Black Lives Matter protest last summer, in her home city of Oxford.
Many have praised her courage and determination to stand up for the rights of black people, tirelessly calling out injustices and inequality.
Ms Johnson has previously spoken about living in a society where her black sons would be accepted, and which had a better system that could help them grow. She said she was determined to carry on campaigning and wanted to make a difference within her own community.
Meanwhile, Police said at this stage there was no evidence the attack was targeted. Detectives said there was currently nothing to suggest the shooting victim had received any credible threats against her and have appealed for witnesses.