Gladwell describes a Baltimore approach aimed at interrupting retaliation after shootings

What was said

"And they go and they bring a pastor and they bring a crisis counselor and they sit down with Joey's brother and they say, "Dude, I know you posted on social media that you're going after this guy. No, please don't do it.""

Malcolm Gladwell describes a Baltimore violence-prevention approach in which agencies and community figures review recent shootings, identify likely retaliation risks, and quickly visit families with trusted messengers such as pastors and crisis counsellors. He says the goal is to de-escalate revenge cycles rather than rely primarily on arrests or visible shows of force.