Five Shot Near Howard University During Homecoming
A shooting happened nearby Howard University campus in the evening on Friday, October 24, leaving five people injured in one of the city's busiest weekends: Homecoming. According to DC News Now, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to reports of gunfire in the 600 block of Howard Place NW shortly before 8:30 a.m.
When police arrived, they found three men, one woman and a 13-year-old boy suffering from non-life threatening gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported all five victims to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities confirmed that while none of the victims were Howard University students, one of the injured was a Morgan State University student.
The two HBCUs were scheduled to face off in a football game the following day, one of the most anticipated events of Howard's Homecoming weekend. This incident follows a series of five Homecoming mass shootings across Mississippi earlier this month, including HBCUs Alcorn State University and Jackson State University.
Police make two arrests, recover weapons
DC News Now states that MPD say that two people were taken into custody after the incident and that three weapons were recovered at the scene. One of the arrested allegedly tried to elude officers, but was caught in a nearby McDonald's parking lot. As of Friday evening, authorities had not released the identities of either suspect.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, though early reports suggest it may have stemmed from a confrontation between two individuals, according to a statement from Howard University officials.
Witnesses describe the panic
In DC News Now, witnesses recalled the fear and confusion that spread across the area moments after shots rang out.
“All we heard was yelling,” one witness said. “We can't do anything in DC…this happens every time there's a function in DC, especially homecoming. DC [is] dangerous.”
Another witness, Jaiden Ramirez, said he was playing basketball when chaos erupted nearby.
“I saw three men running across the street, yelling at people. Then I heard six to seven gunshots,” Ramirez said. “We were in a panic, we ran inside, and then we came out for 30 minutes. We tried not to shoot.”
Large gatherings in the city, especially during homecoming celebrations that attract thousands of students, alumni and visitors, is not the place for violence.
Howard University responds
In an official statement to DC News Now, Howard University's Office of University Communications explained that the shooting was not connected to the university or its events.
“The shooting was unrelated to the school and no Howard University students, faculty or staff were involved,” the university said. “HUPD implemented enhanced security measures throughout the weekend, including an increased presence of university security and staff and local law enforcement agencies on and around campus to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.”
The statement added that the university appreciates the quick and coordinated response of both MPD and HUPD, noting that the officers' actions “helped protect the safety of our community.”
A reminder in the midst of celebration
This year's festivities at Howard University's Homecoming have been marked by increased security and concern following the shooting on Friday night.
As of Saturday morning, two suspects remain in custody, and the police are still investigating what led to the violence.
Continue to stay safe as you celebrate.
