WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — On Friday night, a shooting near Howard University left five individuals hospitalized, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Authorities were alerted by gunfire around 8:30 p.m. in the 600 block of Howard Place NW. Upon arrival, officers discovered three men, a woman, and a 13-year-old boy, all suffering from gunshot wounds that were thankfully not life-threatening. DC Fire and EMS promptly transported the injured to a nearby hospital.
MPD clarified that while none of the victims were students at Howard University, one attended Morgan State University. Notably, the universities’ football teams are set to face off on Saturday during Howard’s homecoming festivities.
The police apprehended two individuals in connection with the incident and recovered three firearms at the scene. One suspect attempted to flee but was quickly captured by officers in a McDonald’s parking lot.
Officers explained that two people were taken into custody, and that police recovered three weapons at the scene.
One of the people taken into custody tried to run from officers, but police caught the person in a 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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