WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — In a troubling incident near Howard University on Friday evening, five individuals were hospitalized following a shooting, as reported by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

The authorities rushed to the scene on the 600 block of Howard Place NW after gunfire was heard shortly before 8:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, police discovered three men, a woman, and a 13-year-old boy with gunshot wounds that were not life-threatening. All were transported to the hospital by DC Fire and EMS.

While none of the victims attended Howard University, it was confirmed that one was enrolled at Morgan State University. This incident unfolded just ahead of the schools’ football match scheduled for Saturday, part of Howard’s homecoming weekend.

Law enforcement officials detained two individuals and seized three firearms from the location.

One of those detained attempted to flee but was apprehended by police in a nearby McDonald’s parking lot.

As of Friday night, MPD had not identified either person taken into custody.

A witness told DC News Now he was with his cousin when the shooting took place.

“All we heard was yelling,” he said. “We can’t do nothing in D.C. … this happens every time there’s a function in D.C., especially homecoming. D.C. [is] dangerous.”

Jaiden Ramirez said he was playing basketball when he saw three men running across the street, yelling at people. Then he heard six to seven gunshots.

“We panicked, we ran inside, and then we came outside 30 minutes after. We were not trying to get shot,” Ramirez described.

In a statement shared with DC News Now, Howard University’s Office of University Communications said the shooting was not affiliated with the school and that no Howard University students, faculty or staff were involved, but that the incident appeared to stem from a confrontation between two people.

“HUPD [Howard University Police Department] has implemented enhanced security measures throughout the weekend, including a increased presence of University security and personnel and local law enforcement agencies on and around campus to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all,” the university said in the statement.

“The University appreciates the swift and coordinated response of MPD and HUPD officers, whose actions helped protect the safety of our community.”

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