A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department told Newsweek that officers are “currently responding to a confirmed shooting in the unit block of O Street, NW, that occurred at approximately 12:52 pm. Preliminarily it appears that there are multiple victims who have been shot. No lookout at this time.”
During a press conference, Executive Assistant Chief Ashan Benedict said that there were five victims who suffered gunshot wounds. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Benedict. The three others went to nearby hospitals to be treated.
Benedict said that preliminary information showed that there were at least two shooters that fired guns out of a “small black SUV.” According to Benedict, the SUV was traveling Southbound on North Capitol Street and made a right turn onto O Street. While on O Street, the vehicle stopped.
“At least two shooters exited the vehicle and began shooting at folks that were on the block,” Benedict said. “They were either in chairs or standing and the shooting took place there. The individuals got back into that SUV and went Westbound on O Street.”
Benedict also said that all of the shooting victims appear to be adults.
In a tweet, Metro Police Department shared a photo of a vehicle possibly connected to the shooting.
“HAVE YOU SEEN THIS VEHICLE?” the tweet said. “MPD is seeking assistance in locating this suspect vehicle in connection to the shooting that just occurred in the unit block of O Street, NW. Have info? Call (202) 727-9099/text 50411.”
Washington D.C. Police Traffic confirmed that several roads were closed as police continued to investigate the shooting.
“Shooting Investigation: 3rd District ROAD CLOSURES 1st st NW between O and P, 1300 Block of North Capital is also closed, Metro Buses are also being re-rerouted, until otherwise notified,” D.C. Police Traffic said in a tweet.
Police have yet to release any information about the possible suspects.
The shooting location on O Street is less than a mile from the White House, Google Maps shows.
During the press conference, Benedict was asked if the shooting appears to be gang related or part of a “turf war.”
“I’ve asked that question to our detectives and they do have a lot of intelligence of what’s going on in this city,” he said. “It doesn’t appear to be a turf war. It could possibly be drug related.”
