'We have a gun violence problem': 5 people shot, 2 dead in Southeast DC
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — A man and woman are dead after five people were shot at Congress and Savannah Streets in Southeast D.C. on Wednesday afternoon.
The victims have since been identified as 25-year-old George Evans III and 28-year-old Keosha Ferguson, both of Southeast.
The call for the shooting came in around 1:20 p.m.
Acting Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee says four victims were on the scene, and a fifth walked into an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
"There appears to be some type of dispute that occurred," Contee said, calling it "senseless gun violence." All involved appear to be adults, he added.
Mayor Muriel Bowser was also at the scene Wednesday afternoon. When asked why she felt it was important for her to respond, she said "Unfortunately I've been at this location before... another tragedy that happened here some years ago."
7 On Your Side looked into the crime statistics and found that in the past six months, compared to the previous time last year in Ward 8, homicides are up 27 percent. Assaults with a dangerous weapon are up 15 percent, and robberies are up 30 percent.
Compare that to a 31 percent increase in homicides citywide, a slight uptick in weapon-related assaults, a 4 percent increase in robberies in the District.
ANC Commission Shekita McBroom says one of the victims is her neighbor, a mother of four young children.
"To only know that a mother will not be returning home to her child tonight is very traumatizing," she said.
"It’s getting hot outside and you know what happens in the summertime," said Councilmember Trayon White.
Several city leaders urged the community to lean on anti-violence programs to slow the current trend.
"My heart is troubled, I just think we as a community have to do better," Councilmember White said.
"We have a gun violence problem in the community," Contee said. "Right now is one of the times where I really need community to come forward. Certainly, someone in the community is aware of what happened here."
A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information on this case, Contee said. He does not believe there is an ongoing threat to the area.
Watch the full press conference below.