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'He's irreplaceable': 21-year-old leader of Breonna Taylor protests killed in shooting, family says

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A young protest leader known for his energy and optimism amid Louisville's movement for racial justice became a new symbol of gun violence when he was shot and killed early Monday.

Hamza "Travis" Nagdy, 21, has been identified as the victim of a shooting just before 12:30 a.m. EST on Crittenden Drive in Louisville, according to social media posts by several family members, including his mother and stepmother.

Few details about Nagdy's death have been released. But Louisville Metro Police spokesman Matt Sanders said the victim of the Crittenden Drive shooting was transported to University of Louisville Hospital, where he later died as a result of his injuries.

LMPD's homicide unit is investigating, and no suspects have been identified.

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In separate Facebook posts, Nagdy's mother and stepmother both wrote that he had been killed.

Nagdy was a regular at Jefferson Square Park, where protesters have gathered to demand justice for Breonna Taylor since late May.

A candlelight vigil is scheduled to take place there at 6 p.m. Monday in his honor.

More: After a summer of racial reckoning, is America ready to learn the truth about Thanksgiving?

Travis Nagdy, center, leads chants during a march through Louisville in honor of Breonna Taylor. Oct. 10, 2020
Travis Nagdy, center, leads chants during a march through Louisville in honor of Breonna Taylor. Oct. 10, 2020

'He believed he could be a big part of that change'