DC Park Police Officer Shot in Ambush, Suspects Sought

US Park Police Officer Shot in DC Ambush

A U.S. Park Police officer was shot and injured Wednesday evening in Southeast Washington D.C. during what officials described as an ambush by at least two gunmen. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. in the 5000 block of Queen Straw Place Southeast while the officer was conducting an ongoing investigation. The officer, who was in an unmarked vehicle at the time, was struck by gunfire and later transported to a hospital by the U.S. Park Police Aviation Unit. Initially reported in critical condition, officials later stated the injuries are non-life-threatening.

Investigation Underway, Suspects Described

Authorities are actively searching for two suspects in connection with the shooting. Both are described as Black males. One suspect was reportedly wearing a white hoodie and blue jeans, while the other was seen in all black clothing with a white stripe down the sleeve and pant leg. The suspects fled the scene after the shooting. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is taking the lead on the investigation, working in close cooperation with the U.S. Park Police and offering support from multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and ATF.

Officials Address the Incident

At a press conference following the incident, MPD Interim Chief Jeff Carroll stated, “This is an example of unnecessary gun violence. There’s no reason that anybody, a police officer or not a police officer, should be shot just for being out here driving through the neighborhood.” He confirmed that the officer was targeted inside the vehicle, and while it was not a marked police car, that detail does not excuse the violence. Chief Carroll emphasized that illegal guns and unnecessary gunfire are not acceptable in the community. He also noted that while there are indications the suspects may have known the victim was a police officer, this will be part of the ongoing investigation.

“The officer was targeted inside the vehicle, albeit not a marked police car. And that doesn’t matter if it’s a police officer or just a regular citizen driving inside the community. Uh that no one deserves that and any unnecessary gunfire, illegal guns are not acceptable in this community.” – Jeff Carroll, Interim Chief of Police, Metropolitan Police Department

Details of the Attack

According to officials, the U.S. Park Police officers were traveling in their vehicle as part of an investigation when they were ambushed. The gunfire struck the officer inside the car. While the vehicle was hit, specifics about the damage were not released. There is no indication that law enforcement officers returned fire during the incident. The shooting was captured on surveillance cameras in the area, and investigators are working to release images to the public as they become available. Law enforcement officers were seen searching dumpsters and speaking with residents in the vicinity, looking for evidence and potential witnesses.

Jurisdiction and Support

U.S. Park Police confirmed they have jurisdiction throughout Washington D.C. The MPD confirmed that their members responded to assist and are now leading the joint investigation. FBI Director Cash Patel expressed his agency’s support, stating, “The FBI is actively supporting this investigation alongside our law enforcement partners and will bring those responsible to justice.” Attorney General Pam Bondi also spoke with Mayor Bowser and Police Chief Carroll, pledging assistance from federal partners. The officer is described as a veteran officer with the U.S. Park Police.

Public Appeal for Information

Investigators are urging anyone who may have been in the area of Queen Straw Place Southeast around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and witnessed the shooting, or who may have relevant video or image evidence, to contact the Metropolitan Police Department. The public can reach MPD at 202-727-9099. Officials are committed to working with the public to bring closure to this case.

What’s Next

As the investigation continues, authorities will focus on analyzing the captured footage, processing evidence collected from the scene, and following leads to identify and apprehend the two suspects. The public’s cooperation is crucial in this effort. Updates on the case are expected as more information becomes available and is released through the Metropolitan Police Department.

Source: BREAKING: US Park Police officer shot in DC, suspects at large (YouTube)