Mayor Responds to Arrest of Violence Intervention Activist
On Monday, Baltimore’s Democratic Mayor Brandon Scott commented on the recent arrest of a community violence intervention activist, emphasizing that such incidents do not signify the failure of their programs. He expressed his frustration over the situation, stating that the accused, Antione Burton, has brought shame to his role as a city worker.
The Baltimore police announced they arrested the 51-year-old Burton, a leader in a nonprofit, in connection with the shooting death of a 40-year-old man on Sunday. Scott highlighted that the Safe Streets initiative, which received millions in funding, is still vital in tackling crime, urging continued support for these efforts.
Scott conveyed his disappointment, remarking, “This person’s actions are shameful.” He elaborated that Burton had failed to uphold the expected standards of conduct for intervention staff and had violated the trust essential to the effectiveness of violence prevention efforts. “No one should resort to violence to resolve conflict, especially those tasked with promoting peace,” he stressed.
Moreover, he noted, “This is an isolated incident” that should not undermine the proven success of Safe Streets. As Burton faces accountability for his actions, Scott reaffirmed the dedication of the Safe Streets team to their life-saving mission in the community.
Burton, who leads a Baltimore-based charity called We Our Us, was reported to receive over $1.2 million in government funding for 2024 alone, according to tax returns. He is identified as the pastor in those filings, but the organization has not responded to inquiries.
The police apprehended Burton shortly after the incident, charging him with attempted murder and weapons offenses. His case and attorney information are not yet available in Maryland’s court database.
This arrest follows a pattern where other anti-violence activists have faced legal troubles, raising concerns in a city that generally promotes neighborhood initiatives for public safety. Despite Burton’s legal issues, Maryland awarded We Our Us a substantial $6 million grant in August, even while Burton reportedly owes around $200,000 in delinquent taxes.
