Statement Statement on 9/9 incident at 4601 Connecticut Avenue NW
Late afternoon on Saturday, September 9, a shooting occurred outside at 4601 Connecticut Avenue NW. An adult male was shot in the abdomen. He was conscious and breathing at the scene and taken to the hospital for medical attention. The victim remains in intensive care, and my thoughts are with him and his family as he recovers. I know this act of violence was disturbing for neighbors and families. I was in communication with Metropolitan 2nd District Commander John Branch on Saturday regarding the shooting and will support MPD’s response efforts as it continues its investigation. MPD has not yet identified two suspects involved in the incident. Residents who may have information about the incident should contact MPD directly using the anonymous tip line at 202.727.9099.
I am grateful for the Metropolitan Police Department’s timely and professional response to Saturday’s incident. I expect to meet with officers and nearby residents this week to discuss how we will ensure upper Connecticut Avenue NW remains safe for all neighbors. This was the topic of a similar community meeting in which I participated alongside MPD leadership in Cleveland Park last week, a productive discussion about evidence-based responses to our public safety challenges. Among possible measures is installing CCTV cameras on Connecticut Avenue at Military Road and Albemarle Street, a strategy proposed by Commander Branch that I emphatically support. Since taking office, I have met with property management and tenants’ associations in the area several times to address public safety issues, and I will continue to do so in the coming weeks. My constituent services team is also working directly with properties and residents on supportive services to address specific cases that have arisen nearby.
Violent crime is a serious issue across the city and addressing it is a top priority. I’m committed to doing my part to support public safety in the District, both working with my colleagues on the Council to pass impactful legislation and responding on the ground in our community. To keep neighbors safe, we need a comprehensive public safety strategy that employs proven techniques to prevent crime and ensure accountability. To achieve this goal, we must build back MPD’s staffing levels. I voted to approve a Fiscal Year 2024 budget that fully funds MPD and includes additional dollars for recruitment and retention efforts. We must also respond to incidents nimbly with both police-based resources and behavioral and mental health services that address the drivers of crime.
My office has heard from many residents about safety concerns in the area. One of the themes raised is concern regarding the District’s voucher program. We do not yet know whether the individuals involved in Saturday’s incident were affiliated with the program. Additional information is crucial. While most apartment residents, including voucher recipients, are thriving members of our community, some residents need additional behavioral and mental health support. The District’s voucher program is an important tool to place vulnerable neighbors on a path toward success. Unfortunately, the legal and operational framework supporting the current system is flawed. To ensure the voucher program can serve recipients and existing neighbors alike, residents must receive the services they need to live independently, and property managers must invest meaningfully in security. I have been working closely with tenant leaders, landlords, and the Office of the Attorney General to explore legislative solutions to address these issues; it is a high priority.
I will share additional information as it becomes available.