High-profile Black Lives Matter activist shot in the head in London

London, UK – Sasha Johnson, a well-known figure in the UK's Black Lives Matter movement, is in the hospital in critical care after being shot in the head in south London.

UK civil rights activist Sasha Johnson was shot in the head in south London on Sunday.
UK civil rights activist Sasha Johnson was shot in the head in south London on Sunday.  © IMAGO / VXPictures.com

The 27-year-old activist and mother of two underwent an emergency operation after she was shot early on Sunday.

Police say there is no evidence so far that the attack was targeted, the BBC reported.

Johnson's friend Imarn Ayton told journalists, "As far as I am aware... this incident is more related to rival gangs as opposed to her activism."

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But the Taking the Initiative Party (TTIP), of which Johnson was an active member, said the shooting followed "numerous death threats."

"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," urged Charles Gordon, one of TTIP's founding members.

"Whilst we understand there is much speculation around the nature of the incident, our priority is Sasha's health and recovery," another TTIP spokesperson explained.

Friends and supporters gathered in London's Ruskin Park on Monday for a vigil in honor of the civil rights community leader, playing African drums and praying for her speedy recovery.

The investigation into Johnson's shooting is ongoing. Police are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious that could have a connection to the case to come forward.

Cover photo: IMAGO / VXPictures.com

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