Federal Hill Residents Meet to Address Crime Concerns

Community gathers at local park to discuss public safety issues in the neighborhood.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:07am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken glass bottle or other physical evidence from a crime scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.A community grapples with the aftermath of violence, as residents seek solutions to address public safety concerns in the Federal Hill neighborhood.Baltimore Today

Several residents of Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood met at Federal Hill Park on Tuesday to express concerns about crime and public safety in the area. The meeting was prompted by a recent fatal shooting incident on nearby KY Highway, which has been an ongoing problem in the community. Local business owners and residents shared their perspectives on the increased police presence in the area and the need for a comprehensive plan to address the late-night public safety issues.

Why it matters

Federal Hill is a popular dining and entertainment district in Baltimore, known for its vibrant community and local businesses. The recent violence has raised concerns about the neighborhood's safety and security, which are crucial for maintaining the area's appeal and economic vitality. The community meeting reflects the residents' desire to work with city agencies and local businesses to find solutions and prevent further incidents.

The details

The meeting at Federal Hill Park was attended by a number of local residents, including Uber driver Cheryl Campbell, who expressed surprise at the shooting incident, as the area is typically known for being safe and lively. Tipsy Scoop bar owner Brandon Bennett also noted that he has noticed an increased police presence in the neighborhood, though he still feels secure operating his new business there. Resident Pat Hancock echoed this sentiment, stating that he believes the police are doing their job to keep the community safe.

  • The fatal shooting incident occurred on KY Highway on April 7, 2026.
  • Residents met at Federal Hill Park on April 8, 2026 to discuss the crime concerns.

The players

Cheryl Campbell

An Uber driver who has been working in the Federal Hill area for about a year and a half.

Brandon Bennett

The owner of the Tipsy Scoop bar, which has only been open for a few weeks in the Federal Hill neighborhood.

Pat Hancock

A resident who has lived in the Federal Hill area for about six months.

Zach Blanchard

The city councilman who serves District 11, which includes the Federal Hill neighborhood.

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What they’re saying

“This is a place that I leave people off that are going to have fun, that feel safe, that are just walking, and all of a sudden they hear that it's like, what? What happened? You know, it's just really sad.”

— Cheryl Campbell, Uber Driver

“We're normally here till about midnight, 1 a.m., cleaning up and usually, you know, there's a lot of people just hanging around. We don't have to worry about anything because we you know, we lock up, we go to our cars, no issues.”

— Brandon Bennett, Bar Owner

“I feel like they're doing their job. They're trying to keep us safe, you know, and and make this an area that, you know, you can bring your family.”

— Pat Hancock, Resident

“The stretch of KY Highway has been a severe late night public safety problem for years now. We need a comprehensive plan to discourage bad behavior there. I hope to see city agencies, businesses and the residential community working together to prevent further tragedies there.”

— Zach Blanchard, City Councilman

What’s next

City officials and community leaders plan to meet in the coming weeks to discuss potential solutions and strategies to address the public safety concerns in the Federal Hill neighborhood.

The takeaway

The meeting in Federal Hill highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing a vibrant urban community with public safety. While the neighborhood is known for its lively atmosphere and local businesses, the recent violence has prompted residents to call for a collaborative effort between the city, law enforcement, and the community to find sustainable solutions that preserve Federal Hill's character and appeal.