A capturing occurred close to Howard College’s campus within the night on Friday, Oct. 24, leaving 5 folks injured throughout one of many metropolis’s busiest weekends: Homecoming. In accordance with DC Information Now, officers with the Metropolitan Police Division (MPD) responded to reviews of gunfire within the 600 block of Howard Place NW shortly earlier than 8:30 p.m.
When police arrived, they discovered three males, one girl, and a 13-year-old boy affected by non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. DC Hearth and EMS transported all 5 victims to close by hospitals for remedy. Authorities confirmed that whereas not one of the victims have been Howard College college students, one of many injured was a Morgan State College scholar.
The 2 HBCUs have been scheduled to face off in a soccer recreation the next day, marking probably the most anticipated occasions of Howard’s Homecoming weekend. This incident follows a collection of 5 Homecoming mass shootings throughout Mississippi earlier this month, together with HBCUs Alcorn State College and Jackson State College.
Police Make Two Arrests, Get well Weapons
DC Information Now states that MPD say two people have been taken into custody following the incident and that three weapons have been recovered on the scene. A type of detained allegedly tried to flee officers however was caught in a McDonald’s car parking zone close by. As of Friday night time, authorities had not launched the identities of both suspect.
The motive for the capturing stays underneath investigation, although early reviews recommend it could have stemmed from a confrontation between two people, in keeping with an announcement from Howard College officers.
Witnesses Describe the Panic
In DC Information Now, witnesses recalled the concern and confusion that unfold throughout the world moments after pictures rang out.
“All we heard was yelling,” one witness mentioned. “We will’t do nothing in D.C. … this occurs each time there’s a perform in D.C., particularly homecoming. D.C. [is] harmful.”
One other witness, Jaiden Ramirez, mentioned he was taking part in basketball when chaos erupted close by.
“I noticed three males operating throughout the road, yelling at folks. Then I heard six to seven gunshots,” Ramirez mentioned. “We panicked, we ran inside, after which we got here outdoors half-hour after. We weren’t attempting to get shot.”
Massive gatherings within the metropolis, particularly throughout homecoming celebrations that draw hundreds of scholars, alumni, and guests, isn’t the place for violence.
Howard College Responds
In an official assertion to DC Information Now, Howard College’s Workplace of College Communications clarified that the capturing was not related to the college or its occasions.
“The capturing was not affiliated with the varsity and no Howard College college students, school, or workers have been concerned,” the college mentioned. “HUPD has applied enhanced safety measures all through the weekend, together with an elevated presence of College safety and personnel and native legislation enforcement businesses on and round campus to make sure a secure and welcoming surroundings for all.”
The assertion added that the college appreciates the swift and coordinated response from each MPD and HUPD, noting that the actions of officers “helped defend the security of our group.”
A Reminder Amid Celebration
This 12 months’s festivities at Howard College’s Homecoming have been marked by heightened safety and concern following the Friday night time capturing.
As of Saturday morning, two suspects stay in custody, and police proceed to research what led to the violence.
Proceed to remain secure as you have fun.
