By James Simons-
A leading British Black Lives Matter campaigner is fighting for her life today after receiving a gunshot wound to the head.
Sasha Johnson was unfortunately caught in the crossfire in a shooting outside a party.
She was found critically wounded after police were called to a house on Consort Road in Peckham shortly before 3am yesterday.
It is understood that a party had been under way and that Ms Johnson — who was outside with others — was hit accidentally as the gunman opened fire.
Ms Johnson, a graduate of Oxford Brookes University, has been a leading figure in the Black Lives Matter movement in the UK.
A friend of the activist has said she believed the incident was “more related to rival gangs”.
Imarn Ayton, who met Sasha Johnson during the Black Lives Matter protests last year, told ITV News Ms Johnson had been at a party when she was injured but she “does not believe she was the intended victim”.
“I do believe that it was a party and there was some type of dispute between two individuals or two gangs, and it was wrong place, wrong time.”
“It is with great sadness that we inform you that our own Sasha Johnson has been brutally attacked and sustained a gunshot wound to her head,” the Taking the Initiative Party (TTIP) said in a statement. “She is currently in intensive care and in a critical condition.”
The party said the attack happened “following numerous death threats as a result of her activism.”
The Met said that its Trident anti-gun crime unit was leading the investigation and that there was “a significant police presence in the area as enquiries continue”
Detective Chief Inspector Jimi Tele said: “This was a shocking incident that has left a young woman with very serious injuries … our investigation is in its early stages and urgent enquiries are under way to establish the circumstances. If you saw anything suspicious in the Consort Road area in the early hours of Sunday morning or if you have heard information since that could help detectives, it is crucial that you get in touch.”
Mr Tele added: “Finally, I recognise that this incident will have shocked those in the local community and further afield.
“I would ask people to avoid speculating as to the motive or the circumstances behind it.”
Friend Chantelle Lunt wrote on Instagram: “Sasha Johnson you are a panther and a warrior. If anyone can survive this, it’s you … please keep fighting, fight to live. We are praying that you pull through, come on girl. Your children need you, you need to keep fighting.”
Officials from the Taking The Initiative Party (TTIP) , an economic and political group where Ms Johnson is a prominent member, said the shooting followed “numerous death threats”.
In a statement, it said Ms Johnson had been “brutally attacked” and hailed her as a “powerful voice” who had been fighting for black people and the injustices that surround the black community.
Ms Johnson works in activism and community support and got a first in social care at Oxford University. Ms Johnson had previously been a vocal supporter of the campaign to remove the statue of Cecil Rhodes from Oxford University.
Sasha Johnson spoke in a protest last year Image: PA
Ms Johnson was seen addressing crowds during the Black Lives Matter protests last summer but is understood to have broken her links with the movement in recent weeks.
A vigil for the recovery of Sasha Johnson will be held on Monday afternoon, the Black Lives Matter Twitter account said.
Claudia Webbe Labour MP for Leicester East, was among those who went online to express “solidarity” with Ms Johnson.
Ms Webbe said: “We were all out last year for Black Lives Matter.
“I only know her as an activist on these issues of Black Lives Matter. I support Black Lives Matter and therefore support what she was doing.
“As a member of Parliament I stand in full solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and I stand with her work in the Black Lives Matter movement.”
Labour MP David Lammy called the attack “gut-wrenching”.
He wrote: “Praying for Sasha Johnson, her family and friends that she makes a quick and full recovery, #BlackLivesMatter”.