Shooting in Washington leaves 1 dead, nearby early learning center is sealed off

WASHINGTON – Police are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon in Southeast D.C. that left residents uneasy and led to a nearby children’s education center being put on lockdown.

The incident occurred on 6th Street SE, where police say a man wearing a face mask and black opened fire with a rifle. Authorities are now searching for a white SUV believed to be connected to the shooting.

The call came in around 4 p.m. and when officers arrived at the scene, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound.

According to police, he was unconscious and not breathing when paramedics took him to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

A woman who lives in the community described to FOX 5 what she heard: “A barrage of gunfire, non-stop gunfire. It was like: bow, bow, bow!”

“We’re not safe in the city, 4 p.m., sunlight outside. We just have to do better,” she continued. “We have to find a way to stop gun violence. We are definitely a city under siege right now.”

Following the shooting, the nearby Sunshine Early Learning Center was placed on lockdown.

Teachers, students and staff remained indoors as worried parents waited for news and for their children to be picked up.

In response to the shooting, Sunshine Early Learning Center released a statement about the tragic event:

“We are taking the time to follow up and address the fatal incident that occurred today, Wednesday, October 23, 2024. First, we would like to express our condolences to the families who lost loved ones in today’s shooting. It is important to overcome the adversity and tragedy that occurred in the 4200 block of 6th Street. Sunshine Early Learning Center has worked diligently to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

“We also want to raise awareness of the importance of ending gun violence in our neighborhoods and develop strategies to create a safer external environment for our families and scholars…We will continue to be the voice of our community and the support of our families.” said the statement continues.

As a precautionary measure, Sunshine Early Learning Center announced it will cancel all outdoor activities for the next week and continue activities indoors. The center will continue to operate on a modified schedule for the rest of the week:

• Thursday, October 24, 2024: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m
• Friday, October 25, 2024: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m

No injuries were reported at the center.

As the investigation continues, police are working to determine whether the shooting was random or targeted.

Authorities have not released the victim’s identity and are urging anyone with information about the shooting or the white SUV to come forward.