Trump Pulls Federal Support From Programs Behind Baltimore’s Drop In Gun Killings

David Fitzgerald understands the challenges of mitigating gun violence. With 15 years of experience in Baltimore’s most hazardous neighborhoods through the Safe Streets initiative, Fitzgerald has diffused numerous potential conflicts. This program forms part of Baltimore's extensive gun violence prevention strategy, which exceeds $100 million, emphasizing relationship-building with at-risk individuals while providing essential resources. Tragically, Fitzgerald's son, Deshawn McCoy, was fatally shot in 2019, becoming one of the city's 348 homicide victims that year. Historically, violence interventions were fragmented and lacked funding, but following increases during the COVID-19 pandemic, national efforts have integrated these programs more effectively. This led to a notable reduction in Baltimore’s homicide rate by 41% from 2021 to 2024. However, the recent cuts to funding by the Trump administration threaten these life-saving initiatives. Experts warn that without sustained investment, the progress made in combating gun violence in Baltimore could be jeopardized.

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