Statement on January 1 homicide at 4300 Military Road

Early this morning, a gathering among a group of friends at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Friendship Heights turned tragic when a member of the party shot and killed a young woman at the gathering. My heart goes out to her family and friends, who instead of celebrating the New Year are now mourning the loss of a loved one. My office was in communication with MPD shortly after the shooting and continues to receive updates. I have confidence that MPD is doing everything the department can to apprehend the shooter. We face an epidemic of gun violence in our city that impacts every resident regardless of age, income, or Ward, and we must work together across government to empower public safety agencies to stem the tide of violence. I will host a public safety forum on January 17 at 6 pm at the Cleveland Park Library with Police Chief Pamela A. Smith, U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, and Attorney General Brian Schwalb. Addressing the crime crisis in our city has been and continues to be my top priority in this new year.