At least one person was killed and four others sustained gunshot injuries in a shooting incident in Washington DC’s Logan Circle neighbourhood early Thursday. The area, located around a mile north of the White House, witnessed a major police response following reports of gunfire at multiple locations.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, officers responding to the incident heard a gunshot and subsequently located the suspect with a gunshot wound. The suspect had reportedly barricaded himself inside an apartment, following which police negotiators attempted to establish contact.
In its latest update, police said the suspect was contained at a location. However, authorities had not immediately clarified whether he had been taken into custody or how he sustained the gunshot injury.
Police confirmed that four people with gunshot wounds were found, while another individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The condition of the injured victims was not immediately available.
Multiple locations cordoned off, schools placed under lockdown
The shootings were reported at multiple locations across the neighbourhood. Authorities urged residents and commuters to avoid the area around the 1500 block of 15th Street as emergency personnel continued their response.
Several surrounding roads were closed, and a large section of the neighbourhood was cordoned off. The affected area includes residential buildings, a VIDA Fitness centre, St Luke’s Episcopal Church and a Whole Foods supermarket.
As a precautionary measure, nearby schools were also placed under lockdown. Residents were advised to remain away from the affected locations until police operations were completed.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also deployed agents to assist local law enforcement agencies.
Police launch response to shooting incident
Earlier, Washington DC Council member Brooke Pinto confirmed the incident through a post on X at 8:24 am on Thursday. She said police were searching for a suspect following the shootings.
Subsequently, officers located the suspect suffering from a gunshot wound. Police negotiators then attempted to communicate with him after he barricaded himself inside an apartment.
Authorities continued to maintain security arrangements around the affected area as the investigation progressed.
Logan Circle is a residential and commercial neighbourhood situated approximately one mile north of the White House. The incident triggered heightened security measures, including road closures and school lockdowns.
Police had not released the identities of the deceased and injured individuals. The circumstances surrounding the shootings, the suspect’s identity and the motive behind the incident remained unclear as authorities continued their investigation.