A VIGIL for a prominent black equal rights activist, who was shot in the head, is to be held this afternoon.
Sasha Johnson, who attended Oxford University, was shot on Sunday evening while attending a party.
The mum-of-three is currently in critical condition in hospital.
Read here: Sasha Johnson's family ask that their 'privacy is respected' after shooting
The vigil for the activist, who is a known figure in the Black Lives Matter movement, will be held at 6 pm today in Blackbird Leys Field for anyone who would like to pay their respects.
Ms Johnson is described as “a strong, powerful voice for our people and our community” by the Taking The Initiative Party, of which she is a member.
She works in activism and community support and got a first in social care at Oxford University.
Ms Johnson’s friend Imarn Ayton told BBC News that the young mother has successfully undergone surgery and her parents are with her in hospital.
Asked about the circumstances, she said: “As far as we are aware, she was at a party.
“There was a rival gang that may have heard about someone being in that party that they didn’t feel quite comfortable with or trusted and so they resorted to driving past and shooting into the garden, and one of those shots obviously hit Sasha Johnson.
“But I don’t believe she was the intended victim.”
Read also: Oxford's anti-racism group reacts to black equal rights activist being shot
Police have said the activist was shot in the head when a group of four men opened fire at the party.
The force added it did not believe Ms Johnson was an intended victim.
Metropolitan Police Commander Alison Heydari said a group of four black men had entered the garden where the party was being held and “discharged a firearm”.
In a statement, she said: “This was a shocking incident that has left a young woman with very serious injuries.
“We are aware of Sasha’s involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement in the UK and I understand the concern this will cause to some communities – however, I wish to stress that at this time there is nothing to suggest Sasha was the victim of a targeted attack.
“We are also not aware of any reports of threats made against her prior to this incident.”
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