Mass Shooting in Northeast Washington D.C. Kills One, Wounds Five Including Two Children; Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Respond 

Washington, D.C. – Everytown for Gun Safety and its grassroots network, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, released the following statements in response to a shooting that occurred in Northeast Washington D.C. on Wednesday evening. While investigations are still underway, reports indicate that one person was killed and five others, including two children, were injured in a neighborhood shooting. This shooting was one of several shootings that took place within five hours in Washington D.C., on Wednesday night, resulting in a total of seven wounded and two shot and killed. 

“Our hearts are with those affected by the shootings yesterday and every instance of gun violence in Washington, D.C. Sadly, it has become commonplace for marginalized communities nationally to be faced with the daily toll of gun violence. I know firsthand the trauma of experiencing gun violence, and I am devastated that after yesterday, more communities will be forced to feel this pain,” said Fernando M. Smith, Co-lead and volunteer with the District of Columbia chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We know that a future free of gun violence in Washington D.C. is possible and we will continue to work with our city to make this a reality. This starts with creating and following strategic plans and by investing in community violence prevention organizations that can address the root causes of this health crisis in the most impacted communities across the District and nationwide.”

“These shootings are yet another reminder that gun violence is the number one killer of my generation and leaves an impact on us everyday,” said Alex Goodale, a volunteer with the Georgetown University Students Demand Action chapter. “We deserve to be able to live freely. without the threat of gun violence at every turn. We refuse to let this define our youth. We’ll fight for a safer future so that the next generation can live without this fear.” 

These shootings come after Washington D.C. lawmakers passed an omnibus bill last month to address crime in the District, which is awaiting Congressional approval. Earlier this year, Councilmember White also introduced a measure to combat gun violence in Washington D.C. by requiring healthcare providers including doctors, nurses and physician assistants, to receive training on a range of issues related to gun violence prevention. 

Another critical part of addressing gun violence is through partnership with and sustained support for community violence intervention programs. D.C.’s lawmakers should prioritize robust support for D.C.’s growing network of violence interrupters, giving them the resources they need to prevent cycles of gun violence. While there is no one solution to end gun violence, community violence intervention programs play a key role in making cities safer. By utilizing a public health model, community-led programs have been shown to reduce gun violence in some of the most heavily impacted neighborhoods. 

In an average year, 155 people die by guns in the District of Columbia and another 885 are wounded. 92% of gun deaths in the District of Columbia are by firearm homicide. Gun violence costs the District of Columbia $2.0 billion each year, of which $106.4 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about firearm deaths in the District of Columbia can be found here.