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| The brave men and women of the Baltimore Police Department have done a tremendous job putting intense, sustained pressure on criminals who use illegal guns. Yesterday, I was joined by Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld to report on the outcome of recent enhanced gun suppression efforts by our officers, and violent crime reduction in the City. Also joining us were our federal partners, Rod Rosenstein, U.S. Attorney for Maryland, and Joseph Riehl, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Baltimore Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
For the first half of 2010, Baltimore had fewer than 100 homicides, this is the lowest tally in 25 years. Last month, Baltimore recorded the lowest number of shootings on record for the month of June. Overall gun crime (homicides, shootings, armed-robberies, and carjacking) is down 16% compared to the previous year.
This is not a cause for celebration-this is a call for further action. With enhanced police gun suppression efforts, strong partnerships with federal law enforcement, and increased prosecution of gun cases in federal court, we can continue to make progress reducing gun violence.
 As a result of the efforts of detectives and officers, more than 1,164 dangerous guns have been taken off the streets so far this year. In ten days, police officers seized 76 illegal firearms-averaging more than seven guns a day. This is a remarkable achievement that has made our City safer.
We will continue to ratchet-up the pressure on criminals who carry illegal guns. Despite difficult fiscal times, the resources are in place to fully fund our Violent Crime Impact Section to target gun suppression deployment zones.
Our federal partners are a tremendous asset in our fight to make Baltimore safer. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) works as a force-multiplier for our officers and detectives. Working across state and county lines, the ATF assists in investigations, taskforces, and arrests, building cases against violent gun offenders.
In 2009, police and prosecutors worked together to arrest and bring indictments against 206 violent criminals. With more than 131 federal indictments so far this year, U.S. Attorney Rosenstein is on track to far surpass the number of gun case prosecutions in federal court where tough, mandatory penalties for gun crimes are the norm, not the exception. Maryland EXILE puts our most violent gun offenders behind bars and sends a clear message that gun crime equals jail time-no exceptions.
The success of EXILE prosecutions in reducing gun violence highlights the need for stronger state laws that demand tougher penalties for illegal gun possession. With tougher state laws in place, we could do even more to reduce gun violence in Baltimore. |
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Comes to Baltimore Excel Homes and the Maryland Community Builders' Foundation have come together to help build hope in the Baltimore community on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. This build will be made possible with the help of hundreds of volunteers, and donations small and large. To find out how you can get involved, visit http://www.excelhomes.com/baltimoreextreme. |
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Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar Shop for the region's freshest produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, fresh flowers, arts, crafts, and more. The Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar, located on Saratoga Street between Holliday and Gay streets under the Jones Falls Expressway, is open every Sunday through December 19, from 7:00 am until sell out (approximately noon). For more information, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com. |
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AVAM's Flicks from the Hill Thursdays, July 1-August 19, 5:00 pm-11:00 pm
American Visionary Arts Museum, 800 Key Highway The American Visionary Arts Museum presents outdoor family films on Federal Hill! The flicks are related to the theme of the exhibition: Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Happiness. The museum is open and free from 5:00-9:00 pm before the flick.
To view the film schedule, visit www.avam.org. |
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Harborplace's 30th Anniversary July 2-4
Harborplace, 200 East Pratt Street This landmark and icon of Baltimore turns 30 this year! Harborplace will celebrate this milestone with shopping offers, special events, entertainment, and much more!
For more information and event listings, visit http://www.harborplace.com/events/harborplaces-30th-anniversary. |
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Visionary Pets on Parade Sunday, July 4, All Day
American Visionary Arts Museum, 800 Key Highway Dress your pet & strut your stuff. The American Visionary Arts Museum hosts the best dog-gone parade in town. Trophies will be awarded for best costume, most patriotic, most visionary pet, owner & pet look-alikes, and more! Pets of all kinds are welcome, but must be leashed or carried.
For more information, call 410-244-1900. |
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Ports America Chesapeake 4th of July Celebration Sunday, July 4, 2:00 pm-10:00 pm
Inner Harbor Enjoy live performances by jazz band Lovecraft and the Naval Academy's Electric Brigade band. The fireworks start at 9:30pm and can be viewed from several locations in downtown and beyond including Federal Hill, Fell's Point and Rash Field.
To learn more, visit http://bop.org/index.cfm?page=events&id=42. |
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Social Dancing Class Tuesdays & Thursdays, July 6-August 26, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Waxter Center for Senior Citizens, 1000 Cathedral Street Do you want to dance, but can't get started? Join the Waxter Center for cha-cha, ballroom, jitterbug, bop, swing, hustle, Latin and stepping. Certified dance instructor Shirley Duncan will help you learn the basics. Classes are open to all adult age groups.
For more information, call 410-396-1324. |
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Caribbean Carnival Festival Friday, July 9-Sunday, July 11
Druid Hill Park Celebrate with a traditional island costumed parade, live international entertainment, and authentic Caribbean cuisine. The festival takes place Friday from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm and Saturday-Sunday, 12:00 pm-9:00 pm. There is a small entrance fee.
For more information, call 410-230-2969. |
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Animal Enrichment Weekend Saturday & Sunday, July 10-11, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Druid Hill Park Visit the Zoo during Animal Enrichment Weekend and watch as many of the Zoo's animals receive special gifts and enrichment items. From paper mache toys to delicious ice treats, you're bound to see some fun! This event is free with Zoo admission.
For more information, go to www.marylandzoo.org/events. |
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World Cup Soccer Festival Sunday, July 11, 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Inner Harbor Come watch the World Cup Finals with thousands of your friends. Enjoy music, festival food, soccer clinics, a beer garden, and family fun. Players from local professional teams will make appearances. At 2:30, the World Cup Finals will be broadcast on a giant digital screen.
For more information, visit www.baltimoresoccerfestival.com or call 443-277-2600. |
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Summertime Indoor Bazaar Thursday, July 15, 9:00 am-2:00 pm
Waxter Center for Senior Citizens, 1000 Cathedral Street Browse interesting new and gently used items to such as clothing, books, candles, art, jewelry, collectibles, crafts and much more. If you would like to participate as a seller, tables are available for rental.
For more information, call 410-396-1324. Interested sellers should call before June 17, 2010. |
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Artscape July 16-18, 12:00 pm-10:00 pm (Ends at 8:00 pm on Sunday)
1200 Block of Mount Royal Avenue Artscape is America's largest arts festival that remains free and open to the public. This year's celebration features musical performances, visual arts exhibitions, film, theater, the Artists' Market, activities for children, and much more.
For more information, visit www.artscape.org. |
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Chick Webb Jazz Combo Competition Saturday, July 17, 3:00 pm-6:00 pm
Artscape, Mt. Royal Avenue & North Charles Street Local and regional jazz combos compete for a $1,000 cash prize. Admission to the show is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit www.artscape.org or call 410-752-8632. |
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Breakfast With the Penguins Saturday, July 24, 8:30 am-10:00 am
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Druid Hill Park Start your morning off with the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Learn about the Zoo's African Black-Footed Penguins, enjoy breakfast at Rock Island, and help feed the penguins their first meal of the day. Purchase tickets early, since this event regularly sells out.
For more information, visit www.marylandzoo.org/events. |
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