2 Killed, 3 People Injured In DC Shooting; No Suspect In Custody

WASHINGTON, DC — Two people were killed and three others injured Wednesday in a shooting that happened shortly before 1 p.m. on O Street Northwest in Washington, D.C., according to police.

Metropolitan police Assistant Chief Ashan Benedict confirmed at a news conference Wednesday that five people were shot near the corner of O and North Capitol streets.

According to Benedict, witnesses told police a small black SUV was traveling south on Capitol Street before making a right turn on O Street and stopping in front of a building. Two shooters got out of the SUV and opened fire on multiple people standing and sitting outside the building, Benedict said. The shooters got back in the SUV and fled westbound on O Street.

Benedict said the shooting is unrelated to shootings that happened overnight in the 200 block of Florida Avenue Northwest and the 2300 block of Minnesota Avenue Northeast.

The location where Wednesday's shooting happened is known as an "open-air drug market" that is frequently patrolled by police, Benedict said.

First Street Northwest is closed between O and P streets following the shooting, according to DC Police Traffic. The 1300 block of North Capitol Street is also closed. Metro Buses are also being re-rerouted until further notice.

Police are asking the public to avoid the area.

The three injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. No suspects are in custody, and the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

Police are asking for the public's help identifying the vehicle connected to the shooting. The vehicle is pictured below. Anyone with information about the vehicle or who may have witnessed or recorded the shooting should call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.