Statement on This Week's Shootings in Ward 1
There have been two shootings in Ward 1 this week, including one fatal in the early hours this morning, that also left two others in stable condition, according to early reports. We know that officers were patrolling nearby as the shooting occurred and responded quickly. I understand how upsetting and scary this is. While crime is on the decline so far this year, that doesn’t minimize the damage and the fear when it occurs.
I spoke this morning with MPD 4th District Commander Lavenhouse and a member of my team participated in an inter-agency walk of the neighborhood this afternoon. ANC1A Commissioner Mukta Ghorpadey is also planning a neighborhood meeting on public safety Friday evening at 5:30 pm at Trolley Park, which my office will join.
Because this morning’s incident was on the line between wards 1 and 4, I am working closely with Councilmember Lewis George to monitor efforts in that area and coordinate a multi-agency approach. (More on that below.)
The Uptown Cure the Streets violence prevention team is working in this area to address any ongoing conflicts that could lead to retaliation.
On the legislative side, I recently advanced a measure to assist with homicide closures by protecting witnesses who give testimony. Getting shooters off the street is, of course, a significant part of reducing violence. (More info on my Case Closure and Witness Support Amendment Act at brianneknadeau.com)
Anyone with info about the incidents this week is encouraged to call MPD at 202-727-9099 or text 50411.
Multi-agency approach
Councilmember Janeese Lewis-George, in adjacent Ward 4, shared the following information regarding work we are collaborating on:
My office is coordinating a multi-agency approach at and around Petworth Metro area that has been going on for several months in coordination with 4TH District and responding agencies. The multi-agency approach includes:
- Enforcement and Presence by Metro Transit Police,
- Enforcement and Prescence by 4TH District Police Department including bike Patrol,
- HIPS DC and DBH on drug treatment and substance abuse support at Petworth station and 14th and Spring.
- CURE the Street Violence Interrupters for deescalation and retaliation mitigation and ONSE safe passage are on before and after school duty to interrupt potential student conflicts,
- DDOT is adding cameras and speed mitigation
- DC Public Library, constructing new teen center, installing exterior cameras and utilizing DCPL Police for enforcement and presence.
- DCPS – schools are doing dismissals on a staggered scheduled. Not letting all schools out at once. School staff monitoring and moving students along.
- DPR- Roving Leaders and DPR Rangers assigned to Raymond for daily patrol.
- DPW - Graffiti removal, gate placement at Carolina’s Restaurant, clean up
- DSLBD and Uptown Main Street: Clean team doing daily clean up on 14th Street, recruiting business to vacant and blighted small businesses.
If you don’t see one of these agencies doing this work, please let us know so myself or CM Nadeau office can touch base with each entity to give that feedback and give an update. Continued updates will be provided in my weekly newsletter on Friday. Additionally you can sign up for MPD 4D list serve.