At least five people were reportedly shot in an active shooting incident in Washington DC’s Logan Circle neighbourhood on Thursday morning, prompting a major police response and shelter-in-place orders in nearby areas.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said officers were responding to a shooting near 15th and P Streets, Northwest. The situation subsequently developed into a barricade incident in the 1500 block of 15th Street, Northwest, prompting the deployment of the department’s Emergency Response Team.
In a post on social media, MPD urged residents and commuters to avoid the area while officers worked to bring the situation under control.
Authorities also issued shelter-in-place instructions covering parts of the neighbouring Logan Circle and Dupont Circle areas, according to CNN. Police vehicles were deployed in large numbers, while helicopters were seen circling above the neighbourhood as officers secured surrounding streets.
Washington DC Council member Brooke Pinto also appealed to residents to stay away from the affected area. In a post on X, she confirmed that police were responding to a shooting near 15th and P Streets NW and said further information would be shared once verified.
According to reports, citing a police spokesperson, authorities were searching for a suspect. Officer Lee Lepe described the incident as an active shooter situation, adding that police did not yet have a description of the individual.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that its Washington field office was at the scene and assisting local law enforcement, CBS News reported.
The Metropolitan Police Department had not immediately confirmed the number of people shot as the response continued. The incident was reported at around 8:23 am local time.
Logan Circle is a busy neighbourhood in central Washington DC, situated approximately a mile north of the White House. The shooting prompted heightened security measures during the morning commute, with officials continuing efforts to secure the area.
