Federal Hill Residents Demand Action on Crime, Public Safety

Community meeting follows recent fatal shooting, rising assault reports in Baltimore neighborhood

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:07am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing or other small piece of physical evidence from a crime scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty, investigative nature of the community's public safety concerns.A community grappling with rising crime seeks solutions to restore a sense of safety and security in their neighborhood.Baltimore Today

Residents of Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood met with local officials to express growing concerns about crime and public safety in the area. The meeting comes after a recent fatal shooting and a spike in reported assaults so far this year. Residents are calling for increased enforcement of existing laws and curfews, as well as additional security measures to address issues like dirt bike riding.

Why it matters

Federal Hill is a popular residential and entertainment district in Baltimore, known for its lively bars and restaurants. However, the community has seen a rise in violent crime and quality-of-life issues that are impacting residents' sense of safety and security. The meeting highlights the ongoing challenges Baltimore faces in balancing economic development with public safety.

The details

The community meeting was organized by the Federal Hill Neighborhood Association and attended by residents, as well as local officials including the Maryland Senate President and a Baltimore City Councilman. Residents voiced frustration over the level of crime, with one stating 'We're all just fed up with the amount of crime.' Another resident said, 'We love the neighborhood, but we just don't love what's happening with the crime.' The neighborhood has seen 34 assaults so far in 2026, in addition to a recent fatal shooting. Residents are calling for stricter enforcement of existing laws and curfews, as well as additional security measures to address issues like illegal dirt bike riding.

  • The meeting took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • A fatal shooting occurred along Key Highway early on Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Jen Covino

Public safety chair of the Federal Hill Neighborhood Association, who led the discussion at the community meeting.

Bill Ferguson

Maryland Senate President, D-District 46, who attended the meeting.

Zac Blanchard

Baltimore City Councilman, D-District 11, who attended the meeting.

Baltimore Police Lieutenant Colonel

A representative from the Baltimore Police Department who attended the meeting to address residents' concerns.

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What they’re saying

“We're hearing from neighbors who are anxious, they're fearful. The homicides come along with other challenges we're experiencing.”

— Jen Covino, Public safety chair, Federal Hill Neighborhood Association

“A lot of different public safety challenges in the neighborhood, and I take all of them very seriously. We're working on all of them.”

— Zac Blanchard, Baltimore City Councilman, D-District 11

What’s next

Councilman Blanchard said he has convened a group of stakeholders to develop a holistic approach to late-night public safety, which will meet every two weeks. He is also working with the mayor's office to install physical deterrents on certain roads to address dirt bike riding. As for the recent homicide, police are still searching for the suspect and urge anyone with information to come forward.

The takeaway

The community meeting in Federal Hill highlights the ongoing challenges Baltimore faces in balancing economic development and quality of life with public safety concerns. Residents are demanding more action from local officials to address rising crime and quality-of-life issues, underscoring the need for a comprehensive, collaborative approach to improving neighborhood security.