WASHINGTON — A tragic act of gun violence has left a 3-year-old girl fighting for her life after she was shot early Saturday morning while sitting inside a car with her family in Southeast D.C.
The shooting occurred just after 3 a.m. in the 1000 block of 14th Street SE. According to D.C. police, at least one suspect opened fire on the block, and the child was struck by gunfire that penetrated the vehicle. Officers arrived within minutes of receiving the call at 3:03 a.m. and discovered the toddler suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.
She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
At this time, no arrests have been made and no suspect description has been released. The investigation is being led by the Major Case Squad, and detectives are working around the clock to gather evidence and follow up on leads.
“We are praying for this young child, and we thank the medical professionals who are currently treating her,” said D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith in a public statement. “No family should have to experience this heartbreak – not here, not anywhere – and that’s why we work hard to remove illegal firearms from our community.”
Chief Smith emphasized the department’s commitment to solving this case and urged the public to come forward with any information.
The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is encouraged to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or text tips anonymously to 50411.
As the community reels from yet another senseless act of violence, officials and residents alike are calling for renewed efforts to curb the flow of illegal guns and protect the city’s most vulnerable — its children.