By Tiffany Williams –
BOSTON — Boston police are investigating a series of overnight shootings and a stabbing that left two people dead and multiple others injured as city leaders, police officials and the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association renewed calls for action to address public safety.
According to an update provided by the Boston Police Department on Sunday morning, officers are aware of at least five shootings overnight. Thirteen victims, including two fatalities, were referenced in the statement.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said officers responded to an “unusually high” number of serious incidents during the overnight hours.
“Large gatherings of illegal firearms, alcohol consumption, and multiple acts of gun violence created a dynamic and challenging environment for our first responders throughout the evening,” he said.
The first fatal shooting occurred shortly after midnight Sunday in the area of 500 Blue Hill Ave. in the Roxbury neighborhood.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting and found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. All three were transported to area hospitals. One victim was pronounced dead. The other two are expected to survive.
Police said a fourth victim later arrived at a hospital on their own. That person’s injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Several hours later, officers responded to another shooting in Roxbury.
At approximately 3:15 a.m., officers were called to 120 George Street for a report of a person shot. Police located three victims at that location.
One victim later died at the hospital.
A second victim remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
A third victim is expected to survive.
Investigators later reported that three additional people arrived at a local hospital around 4:06 a.m. suffering from gunshot wounds.
Their injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Investigators said they were shot at the same location.
Boston police are also investigating three additional shootings reported during the overnight hours.
One occurred at approximately 11:54 p.m. Saturday on Fayston Street in Roxbury.
Another was reported around 12:36 a.m. Sunday on Horadan Way in Roxbury.
A third occurred at approximately 1:56 a.m. Sunday on Draper Street in the Dorchester neighborhood.
Police said one person was shot in each of those incidents, and all three victims are expected to survive.
Investigators are also examining a stabbing reported later Sunday morning.
Just after 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, Boston police responded to the area of 15 Homestead Street in Dorchester for a reported stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located one stabbing victim, who was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The victim’s condition has not been released.
Authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the shootings reported Saturday night or the stabbing on Homestead Street.
As detectives continued processing multiple crime scenes, Commissioner Cox also said officers encountered additional challenges while responding throughout the city.
According to Commissioner Cox, several officers were injured after fireworks were thrown at police.
The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association issued a statement following the overnight violence.
“Hate to say we told you so. Boston erupted in chaos and violence again last night. 13 people shot, at least two dead, two more stabbed early this morning and all the while ‘officer in trouble’ calls being heard all across the city. BPPA continues its calls for more cops on the street and more help from elected leadership.”
The union later released an additional statement regarding injuries to officers.
“We’re beyond outraged,” said the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association. “Body-Worn Camera video captures the violence directed at our officers. 6 treated for injuries after being struck by fireworks. The attack, as the video shows, is unmistakably intentional. The disrespect entirely inexcusable.”
The overnight violence also prompted renewed discussion among elected officials regarding public safety and police staffing.
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn called for a public safety summit and argued that city leaders should seek input from residents, police officers and first responders.
“Staffing levels are dangerously low. Shifts are not filled, impacting public safety in every Boston neighborhood,” he wrote.
In a letter addressed to Commissioner Michael Cox, Flynn expanded on those concerns.
“I’m writing today as many people were shot last night in Boston. It’s clear we need a new, comprehensive public safety plan that includes hiring hundreds of officers every year. Staffing levels are dangerously low. Shifts are not filled, impacting public safety in every Boston neighborhood. We have also witnessed frequent assaults against police officers by the public We have to acknowledge reality: the status quo is no longer an option. Boston is not the safest city in the country. I’m calling for a public safety summit to address violence and crime in Boston. We must include the recommendations and opinions from the public, neighborhood organizations, police and first responders as part of this conversation and overall strategy. We need to work together with state and federal partners as well. Boston can’t do it alone. Residents deserve safer neighborhoods. It is my immediate goal that we start this conversation in the City of Boston today.”
The overnight incidents followed another confrontation involving a Boston police officer one week earlier.
Last Sunday night, on June 29th a Boston police officer tried to make an arrest at a street takeover in Dorchester. Instead, he was attacked by bystanders who threw drinks and trash at him.
The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association also commented on that incident.
“Our officer was grossly disrespected. No police officer should ever be treated that way.”
“To be clear, it’s never okay to hurt, harm or disrespect the police officers who protect and serve this city.”
Boston City Councilor At-Large Erin J. Murphy also released a statement addressing public safety.
Murphy asked, “Is Boston Really the Safest City?”
She continued, “The recent attack on a Boston police officer must be condemned clearly and without hesitation by every elected official in our city. Our officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our neighborhoods. They deserve respect, support, and the confidence that city leaders will stand with them when they are attacked. We also need to stop hiding behind the claim that Boston is the safest city in the country. What does that title mean when residents in too many neighborhoods are witnessing violent crime and telling us they do not feel safe? Safety is not a slogan or a ranking. It is whether people feel protected in their neighborhoods, on their streets, and in their homes. Boston needs more police officers. The department has been understaffed for too long, leaving officers stretched thin, working forced overtime, and responding to dangerous situations without enough support. I am calling on the Mayor and every member of the City Council to condemn attacks on police support all first responders, and make recruiting, hiring, and retaining more Boston police officers an urgent priority”
Mayor Michelle Wu has described Boston as the “safest major city” in America during the past two years. The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association disputed that characterization following the overnight violence.
According to the association, “If you want to live in a city that feels like Chicago, not having enough cops to answer the calls for service is a great way to start.”
The Boston Police Department’s investigations into the shootings and the stabbing remain active. Authorities have not announced arrests in connection with either of the fatal shootings reported Saturday night or the stabbing on Homestead Street.