A U.S. Park Police officer was shot Monday evening in an apparent ambush while traveling in an unmarked vehicle during an ongoing law enforcement investigation in Southeast Washington, D.C., authorities said.
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. in the 5000 block of Queens Stroll Place SE (also referred to as the 5100 block in some reports). According to U.S. Park Police Chief Scott Brecht, officers were traversing the street as part of a Park Police investigation when they were ambushed by at least two gunmen. The officer was struck by gunfire while inside the vehicle, continued driving a short distance, pulled over, and received first aid before being transported by U.S. Park Police Aviation Unit helicopter to a hospital.
Initial reports from the D.C. Police Union indicated the officer was transported in critical condition. However, officials later updated that the veteran officer is receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, with the wound believed to be in the upper body. No law enforcement officers returned fire during the incident.
Chief Brecht identified the two suspects as Black males. One was wearing a white hoodie with blue jeans, and the other was dressed all in black with white stripes down the sleeve and pant leg. The shooting was captured on camera, and authorities are reviewing video evidence while searching the area, including dumpsters, for discarded firearms or other evidence. The suspects fled the scene; specifics about their method of escape were not released.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll stated that MPD air officers responded to canvas the area, and MPD detectives are now leading the investigation in coordination with U.S. Park Police and federal partners. He urged anyone with information, images, or video from the area to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9999.
Chief Brecht emphasized that the Park Police have jurisdiction across Washington, D.C., and described the event as an example of unnecessary gun violence. “There’s no reason that anybody — a police officer or not — should be shot just for being out here driving through the neighborhood,” he said, noting indications that the suspects may have known the victim was a police officer, though that remains under investigation. The officer was alone in the unmarked vehicle, which was standard for the type of investigation being conducted.
Multiple road closures were implemented in connection with the investigation, affecting the 5000 through 5100 blocks of Queens Stroll Place SE, parts of Benning Road SE, and Hillside Road SE.
High-Level Support and Statements
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on social media shortly after the incident: “Praying for the Park Police officer shot in Washington, D.C. The FBI is actively supporting this investigation alongside our law enforcement partners and will bring those responsible to justice. Please keep the officer and their family in your prayers.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that she had spoken with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffery Carroll and was briefed on the shooting. “The FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals, and all of our partner agencies will assist the Metro Police Department in any way that we can. Please pray for the officer’s recovery.”
The investigation is ongoing as a joint effort between U.S. Park Police and MPD, with full federal support. Authorities said additional information and images of the suspects would be released in coordination with MPD.
This remains a developing story.