ALTON - The Alton Branch of the NAACP on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, offered condolences to the family of Terrance R. Johnson, a 21-year-old Alton man who died after a Friday night shooting in the 200 block of West Delmar Avenue, as Alton police continue to investigate the killing.
In a statement dated Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Leon Smallwood-Bey, president of the Alton Branch of the NAACP, said the organization was extending its “deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Terrance R. Johnson, whose life was tragically cut short in a fatal shooting on Friday evening in Alton.”
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“At just 21 years old, Terrance’s death is another heartbreaking reminder of the devastating toll that violence continues to take on our families and our community,” Smallwood-Bey said. “Every life lost to violence represents a future that will never be realized, a family forever changed, and a community left grieving. We join with the Johnson family in mourning this unimaginable loss and pray that they find strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.”
According to the Alton Police Department, officers responded at approximately 10:08 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, to the area after receiving a 911 call reporting a possible shooting victim. Police said officers found an adult male with multiple apparent gunshot wounds and began life-saving measures until Alton Fire Department EMS personnel arrived.
The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police said. Authorities identified him as Johnson, 21, of Alton.
Smallwood-Bey said the case also underscored a broader issue in the community.
“While the investigation into this tragic incident continues, we must not lose sight of the larger issue before us,” he said. “Gun violence has become an ongoing crisis that demands more than sympathy after the tragedy strikes. It requires action before another life is lost.”
He said the Alton Branch of the NAACP would continue working with “community leaders, schools, churches, neighborhood organizations, parents, and young people” to seek solutions.
“Through education, mentorship, conflict resolution, economic opportunity, and community engagement, we believe lives can be saved, and neighborhoods strengthened,” Smallwood-Bey said. “This tragedy should serve as a call for every resident of Alton to become part of the solution. Violence prevention is not solely the responsibility of government or community organizations; it is the responsibility of all of us.”
Smallwood-Bey also cited the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
“As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’ Now is the time for our community to be the light,” he said.
