Sep 21, 2008 1:11 pm US/Eastern
Officials React To Former Council Member's Murder
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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A high-profile Baltimore politician is shot and killed during a jazz club robbery.
A high-profile Baltimore politician is shot and killed during a jazz club robbery.
Weijia Jiang reports officials across Maryland are in shock by former city Councilman Kenneth Harris's untimely death.
"We took three steps outside of this door. One gunman came out from this column, placed a gun to my forehead," said Keith Covington.
The robbery unfolded around 1:45 Saturday morning at The Haven Lounge in northeast Baltimore.
Ken Harris had stopped by to visit the owner of the lounge, a friend of his. Soon after, the gunmen burst in.
"We know the Haven Lounge was robbed on July 8 of this year. The motive and method were very, very similar and it appears likely that we're dealing with the same suspects" from that earlier robbery, said Fred Bealefeld, Baltimore City Police commissioner.
At the scene, just before 2 a.m., The Haven Lounge owner Keith Covington says Harris stopped by to pick up a corkscrew. He was there for less than five minutes.
Police say three men then forced Covington back inside the lounge. Harris tried to drive to safety after one of the gunmen shot him in the chest.
"Mr. Harris drove the car a short distance away, lost control of the vehicle with the car coming to a stop in a small grassy plot," said Bealefeld.
Harris spent eight years on the city council and a lifetime serving Baltimore with unquestionable fortitude.
Harris said in January of 2007 he had a clear goal to, "break the cycle of violence that is destroying our families and neighborhoods."
That the crime Harris so tirelessly battled is exactly what cut his life short may be the most difficult detail to accept.
So many friends of Harris came to an early morning briefing Saturday about what happened, it had to be moved to the commissioner's office because no other room at headquarters was big enough.
"I'm still in shock," said Keiffer Mitchell, who served on the city council with Harris. "Ken was a politician, but he wasn't. He was real; he told you exactly what he was feeling."
"He was beyond the politics of this. He was really interested in helping people," said Council Member Belinda Conaway.
"He would ask, `How do I do better, be a useful person?'" said Maryland Democratic Party Chairman Michael Cryor. "There aren't a lot of people who can do that. There really aren't."
"It's just extremely hard right at this moment to speak about how dramatic this is for our city and our community," said Dixon.
"I lost a great friend, and his family's lost a husband and a father. It's tragic. It's upsetting. It's disturbing," said Covington.
Harris's tactic to end violence was powerful yet simple. He focused on showing the alternative by using his own example.
"Kenny dedicated his life to working with young kids, coach involved with church," said Delegate Kurt Anderson.
"As a baby was in a dresser drawer, he came from humble beginnings to the city council to be a role model in our community," said Rick Hite, friend of 25-years.
For members of the community, Harris's death leaves behind far more than sadness.
"I'm very angry. I'm angry and upset. I'm angry when it happens to anyone. When I say one homicide is too many, I mean that no matter who it is," said Dixon.
"We gonna get who did this. We gonna get them. Find out who did this. It's a tragedy," said Hite.
"His life didn't need to be taken. It's senseless," said Covington.
He leaves behind his wife Annette, and two children, Nichole and Kenneth.
"Our prayers and support are with his entire family. We will do everything in our power to solve this," Dixon said. "He will be missed because he was a strong advocate for so many people who didn't have a voice to speak out for themselves."
"We are overwhelmed with unspeakable grief at the shocking--and senseless--act of violence that took away a devoted husband and father, and one of Baltimore City's brightest stars. During this time of tragedy, we ask for the prayers of our city, for which Kenneth worked so tirelessly and loved so deeply," the family said in a statement.
"The death of Ken Harris is incredibly sad for the City of Baltimore and our entire State. Ken was a loving husband and father, a steadfast advocate for the people of his district, a strong independent voice for the neighborhoods of Northeast Baltimore, and a great friend to so many. I will miss Ken greatly and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends on this very sad day," Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley said in a statement.
Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake issued a statement: "Ken Harris was a wonderful public servant who always put the interests of his constituents first. On behalf of the entire City Council, all of our thoughts and prayers are with Ken's family during this difficult time. Ken was always a gentleman and a true servant to the citizens of Baltimore. I'm confident that those responsible for this senseless killing will be brought to justice."
US Senator Ben Cardin said in a statement, "Ken Harris was a close friend and trusted adviser who dedicated his life to public service and to making our community better. His death is a tremendous loss for all who knew him and for the City of Baltimore. Myrna and I have his family in our thoughts and prayers."
"Former City Councilman Kenneth Harris's death is a tragedy and the love and prayers of the entire Catholic community in Baltimore are with his family and all of Baltimore today. Ironically, it was the very issue that Councilman Harris fought so hard against--crime in our beloved City--that will forever be linked to his legacy in life as a public servant and now, sadly, in death. I pray that his death will be a wake-up call for the leaders in our city--government, private, religious--to join hearts, minds and resources in an effort to save a city from the crime that threatens to strangle it to this day," said Archbishop Edwin O'Brien in a statement.
"We are all shocked and saddened by this sudden and tragic loss. Ken Harris was a passionate public servant who was committed to making his community and the entire city of Baltimore a better place to live. He was a leader who reached across the traditional divides in order to build a stronger community. Ken will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken's family and friends during this difficult time," State Comptroller Peter Franchot said in a statement.
"I am deeply saddened and shocked by the violent death of my dear friend and political colleague Ken Harris. We all mourn the loss of a true and spirited leader of our community and city, a man of the highest integrity. Ken was an outspoken advocate for justice and was not swayed by political consequences. He did not take the easy or convenient route as demonstrated by his thoughtful and passionate opposition to a rigid zero-tolerance policy. As well as his intense public involvement, Ken was devoted to his family and to his church community. My husband Howard and I valued our personal relationship with him, and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife and two children," said State's Attorney Patricia Jessamy.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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