Washington, DC – A night of celebration at Howard University turned violent Friday when gunfire broke out near the campus during the school’s 101st homecoming weekend.
Police said five people were shot around 8:20 p.m. near the university’s architecture building on Howard Place NW.
None of the victims — three men, one woman, and a teenage boy — were students, authorities confirmed.
Key Points
- Five people were shot near Howard University during its 101st homecoming celebration.
- Two suspects were taken into custody and three firearms were recovered.
- All victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.
Two suspects arrested and weapons recovered
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said officers responded quickly to reports of shots fired near campus, where the university was hosting a homecoming alumni reception just a block away. Police recovered three guns at the scene and detained two suspects for questioning.
Smith said all five victims were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not yet identified the victims or released further details about their conditions.
Investigators search for motive
Police have not determined what led up to the shooting but are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings and interviewing witnesses. Streets around the 600 block of Howard Place NW remain closed to both motorists and pedestrians as the investigation continues.
Smith emphasized that the incident did not appear to involve Howard students and urged calm among the campus community. “We’re not going to tolerate individuals coming into our city with firearms,” she said. “We will search for you, find you, and hold you accountable.”
Campus community shaken but resilient
The shooting occurred during one of Howard’s most celebrated annual traditions, a weekend that draws thousands of students, alumni, and visitors to the Northwest Washington campus. University officials confirmed that events continued under increased security and urged students to remain alert and avoid restricted areas.
Chief Smith called for an end to the cycle of gun violence that continues to affect the city. “Whether they’re young people or adults with guns, we need folks to put these guns down,” she said.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities said additional officers will remain deployed in the area through the weekend as detectives gather evidence and review footage to determine whether more suspects were involved.
As investigators piece together the events of the evening, police are asking anyone with information or video of the shooting to contact the department’s tip line.
