Published 10:05 IST, September 20th 2019
Washington DC police briefs media on shooting near White House
Police briefed media after reports emerged that at least 6 people were injured on the streets of Washington DC barely 3 km away from the White House.
After reports emerged that at least 6 people were injured on the streets of Washington DC barely 3 km away from the White House, the Commander of the Third District Stuart Emerman spoke to the press. Currently, in his position as Commander, he oversees the eight Police Service Areas of Third District located in the Northwest quadrant near the centre of the city. He stated that the Third District Metropolitan Police Department received a call about sounds of gunshots being heard in the 1300 block of Columbia Road Northwest. Once they reached the scene and commenced their investigations, they located 6 individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds.
'Wounded transported to area hospitals'
He revealed that one of the individuals had been pronounced dead while 5 others have been transported to area hospitals. Commander Emerman also stated those being currently treated at the hospital ranged from being highly critical to critical.
He observed, "Right now, we do not have a lot to work on as far as lookouts. Our detectives are continuing to interview individuals up here on the scene as well as camera footage that we can find. As we get more information, we will try and get it out to you."
According to him, the firing happened outside an apartment complex in the area. Giving more information about the 6 victims, he said that all were adults, including 5 men and one woman.
'One individual is critical'
On being questioned about what the individuals were doing at the time of the incident, Commander Emerman mentioned that they were still investigating it. When asked about the possibility of an argument preceding the gunshots, he reiterated that there was no information in this regard. He opined that they will still be deliberating on whether the incident was linked to any other shooting that happened recently. The discovery of multiple shell cases at the spot along with the fact that they needed to search the parking area more carefully also found mention in his press briefing. While admitting that at least one of the individuals in the hospital was critical, he claimed ignorance on whether the victims belonged to Latino-Hispanic origin.
Updated 11:28 IST, September 20th 2019