SOUTHWEST D.C., WA- A fatal shooting incident occurred in a Southwest D.C. apartment complex on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the death of one man and injuries to four others, according to local law enforcement. A sixth individual was also injured, reportedly leaping from a window to evade the gunfire. Authorities have since apprehended three individuals on charges of armed first-degree murder in relation to the incident, though further information has yet to be disclosed.
The gunfire erupted around 4:15 p.m. within the Valo Apartments, situated on the 200 block of M Street SW, as per the D.C. police. The apartment complex is conveniently located near the Waterfront Metro station and directly opposite the First District Station. Eyewitnesses reported that the shooting originated from a unit on the fifth floor.
Kyle Hardell, a resident of the building, recounted the initial confusion surrounding the sounds of gunfire. He claimed that the sounds resembled nail guns at first and that he thought the noise seemed odd. He further described hearing approximately eight gunshots outside the building shortly after.
Hardell also observed two individuals, dressed in black with hoods and masks, fleeing the scene. They appeared to be two teenagers. One of them was allegedly clutching his hand, and the other teen was holding a white bag as they ran.
In total, six individuals were impacted by the incident. Five sustained gunshot wounds, while another was injured from a fall. Two men were discovered at the scene by officers, one of whom succumbed to his injuries. The other was transported to a nearby hospital. Three additional men, also suffering from gunshot wounds, independently sought medical attention. Their injuries were not deemed life-threatening.
The sixth individual, who reportedly jumped from a window to avoid the gunfire, sustained injuries consistent with a fall, according to authorities. His current condition remains undisclosed.
The incident left a chilling scene of blood trails leading through a hallway and into an elevator. Several residents, deeply shaken by the shooting, opted to spend the night elsewhere. The building’s management assured residents that the situation was under control and properly secured, though the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.