MADISON, Wis. — The Madison community is grieving after a young Gambian immigrant, Abubacarr Darboe, was killed in a shooting late Saturday night on the city’s north side. Another man was injured in the incident, which has prompted an active homicide investigation by the Madison Police Department.
The shooting occurred just after 10:30 p.m. on December 20 in the 3500 block of Portage Road. Officers responding to reports of gunfire discovered two adult males suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to local hospitals. Darboe was pronounced dead, while the second victim remains hospitalized in stable condition. A third individual, one of Darboe’s siblings, was present but escaped physical injury. Police recovered a firearm and multiple shell casings at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details about suspects or motives have been released.
Darboe, a Gambian native who had built a life in Madison, was described as a beloved member of the local Gambian community and was on track to graduate in May. His death has left family, friends, and the broader community devastated.
Samba Baldeh, a prominent Gambian immigrant and former Wisconsin State legislator, issued a statement expressing profound grief and calling for action against gun violence:
“Last night, Madison lost a young life in a senseless act of gun violence,” Baldeh said. “Abubacarr Darboe, a Gambian native, was killed while with two of his siblings—one is currently hospitalized with gunshot wounds, and another, who, by God’s grace, was not physically harmed. One family is now shattered, and an entire community is grieving.”
Baldeh highlighted Darboe’s bright future and the broader crisis of gun violence: “Abubacarr was deeply loved by family, friends, and all those he crossed paths with, and was a young man on the verge of graduating next May. His future mattered. This tragedy is also a painful reminder of the crisis we continue to face with gun violence and the easy access to guns in our communities. Too many young lives are being cut short. Too many parents are burying children. This is unacceptable.”
He urged collective action: “As a community and as leaders, we must do better. We must be serious about prevention, accountability, and protecting our kids, so that no more families endure this kind of loss.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact Madison Police at (608) 266-6014 or Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014.