For the first time in more than 15 years, the homicide rate in Baltimore has surpassed 300. Last year, that number was 211.
Police commissioner Kevin Davis announced the tragic milestone of the weekend, just hours before yet another man was killed, according to the New York Times.
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“This challenging moment shall pass if we reject blame and embrace the hope, dreams and promise of a great American city,” Davis said at a conference. “Baltimore will win again, 2015 will not define us and the nation will once again see our city for the determination that has long defined us.”
According to police reports, the number of homicides surged following the April death of Freddie Gray and the subsequent demonstrations. In July, there were 45 homicides—the most in a single month since 1972.