One person was killed and four others wounded in a shooting at a gym in Washington, D.C.’s Logan Circle neighbourhood on Thursday morning, November 12, in an incident that triggered a major police response and school lockdowns about one mile north of the White House.
The shooting occurred shortly before 8 a.m. at or near VIDA Fitness in the 1500 block of 15th Street NW. The Metropolitan Police Department said officers arrived within approximately 30 seconds of receiving the report. One victim was found inside the gym and pronounced dead at the scene, while four others were taken to hospital.
One of the injured victims was reported to be in critical condition. The other three sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Police said they believe the gunman opened fire inside the gym before continuing the attack outside. Investigators are also examining reports that another victim was shot in an elevator in a nearby parking garage.
Suspect dies after barricading himself in apartment
Following the shootings, the suspect barricaded himself inside an apartment on the seventh floor of a nearby building. Police deployed SWAT officers and negotiators, who attempted to communicate with him for more than an hour.
Authorities said officers heard a gunshot from inside the apartment. They subsequently entered and found the suspect with a gunshot wound. The Associated Press later confirmed that he had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators are examining a possible dispute involving the suspect and the apartment building’s homeowners association. Police have not established that this was the motive for the attack. Reports also indicate that the suspect was a member of the gym and lived in the apartment building.
Schools placed on alert as police secure neighbourhood
The shooting prompted a substantial law enforcement response, with officers closing surrounding streets and urging residents and commuters to avoid the area.
Several nearby schools were placed on alert, restricting movement into and out of school buildings. The FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisted local police with the investigation.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser described the incident as a “senseless act of gun violence” and said the White House had been briefed.
Despite the location being described in some reports as a shooting near the White House, the attack occurred in Logan Circle, approximately one mile north of the presidential residence. There has been no indication that the White House itself was targeted.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or the suspect, and further details about the circumstances and motive are expected as investigators continue their work.
