A shooting incident in Washington D.C. on Friday afternoon resulted in a teenager being wounded near the National Mall. One bullet struck a window at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, causing no injuries inside the building. Authorities responded quickly, closing a museum entrance and securing the area.
Key Takeaways
- An "older juvenile" was shot multiple times in Washington D.C.
- The incident occurred near the National Mall, close to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
- A bullet pierced a window at the museum; no museum staff or visitors were harmed.
- The victim's injuries are not considered life-threatening.
- Police are investigating the dispute between two young people that led to the shooting.
Shooting Incident Details Emerge
Emergency services received a call around 1:30 p.m. regarding a shooting in the 600 block of Maryland Avenue SW. Upon arrival, police found a teenager with multiple gunshot wounds to the arms and legs. The victim immediately sought help inside a nearby building.
According to D.C. police, the shooting stemmed from an argument between two young individuals. One of them reportedly opened fire. The exact age of the victim has not been released, but police described the individual as an "older juvenile."
Incident Location
- Address: 600 block of Maryland Avenue SW, Washington D.C.
- Proximity: Just south of the National Mall.
- Nearby Landmark: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Museum Affected, No Injuries Reported Inside
During the shooting, a stray bullet struck a window at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The bullet created a visible hole in the glass. Fortunately, no one inside the museum was injured by the projectile.
A spokesperson for the museum confirmed that the Independence Avenue entrance was closed around 2 p.m. This entrance is approximately half a block from where the shooting occurred. The closure was a precautionary measure to ensure public safety while law enforcement secured the scene.
"The Independence Avenue entrance of the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum is closed," a museum spokesperson stated at approximately 2 p.m. on Friday.
Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Investigation
Following the incident, multiple law enforcement agencies, including federal police, responded to the scene. The area around the shooting was cordoned off to allow officers to conduct their investigation. This included closing 6th Street SW between Maryland Avenue and E Street.
Investigators discovered several shell casings outside a Holiday Inn located nearby. This suggests the shooting occurred in the street or immediate vicinity. Police are actively working to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for firing the weapon.
Background on the National Mall Area
The National Mall is a significant open-air national park in downtown Washington, D.C., extending from the U.S. Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. It is surrounded by numerous Smithsonian museums, national monuments, and federal government buildings. The area is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Victim's Condition and Other Damage
The injured teenager was transported to a local hospital for medical attention. Police have indicated that the victim's injuries are not life-threatening. This is a crucial detail, offering some relief amidst the severity of the incident.
In addition to the museum window, at least one other bullet struck a parked van. The impact shattered some of the van's windows. Tourists from Spain had been riding in the van but were out to lunch when the shooting took place, narrowly avoiding harm.
The presence of tourists and the proximity to major cultural institutions highlight the unexpected nature of the event in a normally bustling and secure area. Authorities continue to investigate all aspects of the shooting.
- The victim suffered gunshot wounds to the arms and legs.
- Injuries are not considered critical.
- A parked tourist van also sustained bullet damage.
Police have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing as officers gather more evidence and seek to understand the full circumstances leading to the violence.