A weekend fire that destroyed a Baltimore school playground has reignited a broader fight over how Maryland should respond to youth crime.
Two juveniles, aged 12 and 13, have been taken into custody in relation to a fire that allegedly caused over $100,000 in damages, according to WBFF. Photos shared on Facebook by the Baltimore City Fire Department’s Engine 57 show high flames engulfing a burnt playground structure.
While the arson case alarmed parents and neighbors, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore defended the state’s strategy and pointed to falling violence statewide.
In contrast, President Donald Trump mentioned on Sunday that he would deploy the National Guard to Baltimore to “rapidly address the crime” if Moore requested assistance. However, Moore has dismissed proposals to consider the deployment of the National Guard to aid local law enforcement.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is seen here during the State of the State address in Annapolis, Md., on Feb. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)
Betsy Fox Tolentino, the newly appointed secretary of Moore’s Department of Juvenile Services, recognized the public’s dissatisfaction but reiterated that advancements are being achieved.
“I believe the concerns raised by everyone are legitimate,” Tolentino conveyed to the media outlet. “Significant progress has been made, particularly in Baltimore, in reducing violent crime, including crimes committed by juveniles. Yet, until every individual feels secure and the community has faith and confidence in the department, our work remains ongoing.”
David Turner, Moore’s communications director, reiterated late Monday that “ensuring public safety is the governor’s utmost priority,” and stated that the administration continues to collaborate with state and local entities to bolster accountability.
“As Maryland’s head official, ensuring public safety is of the highest importance. Although juvenile crime statistics in Maryland are on the decline, we persist in our collaborative efforts with the general assembly, state attorneys, local leaders, and advocates to reinforce responsibility for criminal actions and rapidly enact measures to maintain the safety of our communities,” Moore’s office communicated in a statement to Fox News Digital.
Moore’s office told Fox News Digital that the state’s programs are working and there have been “encouraging results.”
“But the work is not done,” his office said. “One person who doesn’t feel safe in their community is too many and Governor Moore will continue his all-of-the-above approach to public safety to make our communities safer and hold violent offenders accountable.
Community leaders have begun organizing to rebuild the school playground.
“Today was a tough day. My heart is heavy, and I’m feeling so many emotions right now,” Kendra Summers commented on a Facebook post of the damage shared by Baltimore City Fire Department’s Engine 57. “Our school playground, a space that has meant so much to our students, families, and staff, was destroyed by arson. It’s hard to process, especially with the first day of school just around the corner on Monday.”
Summers said despite the fire, she was “choosing to focus on the good” and reminisce on the journey of the playground’s construction, which took place in May 2019.
“This community is resilient, and while today’s events are heartbreaking, I know we will rise above them. We will rebuild, and we will continue to grow,” she added.
The fire department also encouraged the community to come together to help rebuild the playground.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Baltimore City Public School District for comment.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides, and migrant crime. Story tips: stepheny.price@fox.com.
