On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, Washington, D.C. was gripped by an alarming spate of gun violence that claimed two lives and left seven people, including children, injured. Within a span of less than five hours, multiple shootings occurred in different neighborhoods.
The string of violence started around 6:10 p.m. in the usually peaceful Carver Langston neighborhood. Responding to an incident at the 1100 block of 21st Street NE, police discovered a distressing scene. Aubrey McLeod, a 29-year-old man from Largo, Maryland, was found dead. He was taking his two young sons to football practice at the time. Additionally, two men, a woman, and a nine-year-old boy suffered non-fatal injuries. In a particularly distressing development, a 12-year-old boy, also a gunshot victim, managed to make his way to a nearby hospital. Preliminary investigations suggest that two shooters exited their vehicle and began firing at a crowd.
Later in the evening, around 9:15 p.m., another shooting was reported on the 3500 block of 10th Street NW. Police found a critically injured man who was rushed to a hospital. Another victim from the same incident later succumbed to their injuries, having arrived at the hospital independently.
Minutes before 11 p.m., the 1800 block of Benning Road NW was the site of another shooting. An injured man was transported to the hospital, adding to the night’s list of victims. Authorities are currently pursuing two suspects, believed to be connected to these incidents, who were reportedly operating a moped.
In response to these tragic events, the community is demanding action. A local father, who has tragically lost three sons to gun violence, voiced a desperate plea for help. “We need help,” he stated in an interview, echoing the sentiments of many community members worn down by the continual disruptions caused by violent acts.
To address the situation, the district’s police department has increased patrols and released images of a vehicle believed to be involved in one of the incidents, in an attempt to locate those behind the violence. Meanwhile, investigators are working around the clock to piece together the sequence of events, while the community mourns its loss and supports the survivors.
Last year, the District of Columbia witnessed a sharp 39% rise in violent crime, including a 35% increase in homicides and a near doubling of carjackings. In response to this escalating situation, local authorities are pushing for stricter penalties for gun-related offenses in the capital.