Two Teens Arrested After 15-Year-Old Shot Near Washington, D.C.’s Union Station
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two teenagers were taken into custody Saturday following a shooting that left a 15-year-old boy wounded near the United States Capitol complex, close to Union Station. The incident occurred Friday afternoon along Massachusetts Avenue NE near North Capitol Street, a heavily trafficked corridor within the Capitol security perimeter.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), officers from the First District responded around 4:10 p.m. to reports of gunfire in the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue NE. Upon arrival, they found the 15-year-old victim conscious and suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders quickly provided medical attention and transported the boy to a nearby hospital.
Law enforcement officials arrested a 17-year-old juvenile male from Northeast D.C. and a 16-year-old juvenile male from Southeast D.C. in connection with the shooting. Both suspects were charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. The arrests came after U.S. Capitol Police stopped the teens near the site of the shooting, highlighting the close cooperation between local and federal agencies in the area.
The location of the shooting, near the U.S. Capitol and Union Station, is notable for its high security presence, as it lies within the broader Capitol security footprint. This area routinely sees federal law enforcement activity, including patrols by the U.S. Capitol Police and coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department. The incident has raised concerns about public safety in a zone that is typically considered secure due to its proximity to federal government buildings.
Authorities have not released further details about the motive behind the shooting or the circumstances leading up to the incident. However, the swift arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of the combined efforts of local and federal law enforcement in responding to violent crimes in the nation’s capital.
Union Station, a major transportation hub serving thousands of commuters and tourists daily, was briefly cordoned off as investigators processed the scene. The FBI, which often assists in investigations involving crimes near federal properties, has also been involved in the ongoing inquiry. The FBI Washington Field Office has a history of working closely with local police to address crimes that threaten security in the capital region.
The shooting adds to a growing list of violent incidents in Washington, D.C., prompting calls from community leaders and law enforcement officials to enhance public safety measures. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which supports critical infrastructure protection including federal facilities, continues to monitor security conditions in the area.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. The MPD has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the District, particularly in sensitive areas near the Capitol.
The 15-year-old victim remains hospitalized, and no further updates on his condition have been released. The arrests of the two juveniles mark a significant step toward accountability in this troubling incident near one of the nation’s most symbolic landmarks.
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