Washington DC standoff ends with arrest of gunman who shot three officers

A standoff which lasted over 12 hours between Washington DC officers and a suspect has now come to an end, after police negotiated his surrender, according to the DC Police Department.

Three officers of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC, were injured after a suspect began firing and barricaded himself in his home. A fourth officer also sustained injuries that were not gunshot-related.

The multi-hour standoff began when police arrived at a southeast Washington, DC home around 7.30 am local time to serve a warrant for animal cruelty. It was at that time the shooting began.

The police said that the suspect then barricaded himself inside his residence and continued shooting sporadically throughout the standoff.

But his surrender was “successfully negotiated” and he has been charged with cruelty to animals, with additional charges for the assault on the officers pending.

Police said that the suspect – Julius James, 46 – is now in police custody.

Mr James was arrested and charged with Cruelty to Animals and additional charges for the assault on the officers are pending.

When asked to expand on the animal cruelty charges, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith focused instead on the officers wounded when serving the warrant.

“So let me not be glib about my response to your question specifically related to the animals,” Ms Smith said. “I don’t want it to be lost on anyone today that we’ve had three officers who were shot with the Metropolitan Police Department. Three of our officers were shot today, serving an arrest warrant on someone who was cruel to animals.”

“The same type of response that we provide for our officers, we have that same care for animals as well, but I don’t want it to be lost on anyone today that the reason why we are here right now is because three of our officers have been shot,” she continued.

Key Points

• Washing DC police negotiate surrender of suspect

• Police chief directed focus towards wounded officers

• Suspect remains barricaded: police

• Three police officers shot as gunman remains barricaded in Washington DC home

Washington DC police negotiate surrender of suspect

03:20 , Shweta Sharma

Julius James, 46, is in police custody after the officers negotiated his surrender, ending a multi-hour standoff during which three officers were injured.

Washington DC police said the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Emergency Response Team successfully negotiated the surrender of a gunman who shot three officers on Wednesday night.

It began after the MPD Criminal Apprehension Unit responded to the 5000 block of Hanna Place, Southeast, to serve an arrest warrant for animal cruelty.

“After several hours of negotiation, the suspect surrendered,” police said.

Mr James was arrested and charged with Cruelty to Animals and additional charges for the assault on the officers are pending.

Three police officers shot as gunman remains barricaded in Washington DC home

Wednesday 14 February 2024 17:01 , Katie Hawkinson

Three police officers in Washington, DC were shot as they were serving an arrest warrant for cruelty to animals, authorities said.

The suspect, who has not yet been named, is barricaded in a house in the 5000 block of Hanna Place Southeast near Benning Road, police said at a press conference on 14 February.

Around 7.30

am, the individual “refused to come outside” and as officers “attempted to gain entry, the individual fired upon them,” police said.

The Independent’s Kelly Rissman has the story:

Three police officers shot as gunman remains barricaded in Washington DC home

Fourth officer sustains minor injury, not shot

Wednesday 14 February 2024 17:10 , Katie Hawkinson

A fourth officer sustained injuries on scene during the shootout, but was not shot and has been transported to the hospital with only minor injuries, officials said on X.

DC Mayor says wounded officers will likely survive

Wednesday 14 February 2024 17:19 , Katie Hawkinson

Muriel Bowser told reporters that the three officers wounded by gunfire on Wednesday morning will likely be “just fine.”

“But it goes to show you how important it is to support our police, to make sure we’re hiring the best of the best police, to make sure as a community if we see something wrong, we call MPD, because MPD is going to show up for us every single time,” Ms Bowser said.

Humane Rescue Alliance gives support to officers

Wednesday 14 February 2024 17:23 , Katie Hawkinson

The Humane Rescue Alliance conveyed their support for Washington, DC police, who arrived at the home to serve a warrant for animal cruelty.“Our thoughts are with our partners at MPD who are being treated in the hospital and we are wishing them all the best in their recovery,” the group said in a statement. “We could not fulfill our mission without them. We are also concerned for the safety of the officers who remain on scene, the community members who continue to be affected, and the animals whom we were there to protect.”

Nearby schools on lockdown as shooting continues

Wednesday 14 February 2024 17:31 , Katie Hawkinson

Two nearby elementary schools are on lockdown amid the shooting in Southeast Washington, DC, NBC Washington reports.

Eyewitnesses also say that police were escorting students into a nearby charter school, KIPP DC LEAP Academy, per the outlet.

Incident ongoing for more than five hours: officials

Wednesday 14 February 2024 17:48 , Katie Hawkinson

Officers first arrived at the Washington, DC home to serve an animal cruelty warrant around 7.30 am local time, officials say. The suspect is still barricaded inside the home as of 12.30 pm local time, as officers pass five hours since the incident began.

As the end of the school day approaches, it is yet unclear how authorities will handle student dismissal in the area.

Negotiators are on the scene

Wednesday 14 February 2024 18:08 , Katie Hawkinson

Negotiators are at the scene of the active shooting to speak with the suspect, who has barricaded himself inside a Southeast Washington, DC home, DC News Now reports.

Police are approaching six hours since the initial incident began around 7.30 am local time, when officials arrived at the home to serve an animal cruelty warrant.

Today’s shooting in context

Wednesday 14 February 2024 18:30 , Katie Hawkinson

The incident comes as the District of Columbia is struggling with a sharp increase in violent crime, which went up 39% in 2023. It was largely fueled by a 35% rise in homicides and growth in carjackings, which nearly doubled.

Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith has previously pushed lawmakers to pass legislation that would strengthen penalties for gun offences in the nation’s capital.

Read more from Kelly Rissman and Mike Bedigan:

Three police officers shot as gunman remains barricaded in Washington DC home

Parents worry for their children at nearby schools

Wednesday 14 February 2024 18:45 , Katie Hawkinson

Two parents told NBC Washington about their concerns for their children as the shooting unfolds near two elementary schools.

“This is a magnitude of police cars I’ve never seen in my life,” one mother told the outlet.

“I’m outraged because my son goes right here to this school. I was coming to take him to school and wasn’t able to get through and I’m just like … I’m shocked. I’m really shocked,” another mother told NBC Washington.

SEE IT: Doorbell camera captures gunshots in Washington, DC

Wednesday 14 February 2024 19:10 , Katie Hawkinson

WATCH: Press conference with DC police chief as standoff continues

Wednesday 14 February 2024 19:12 , Katie Hawkinson

Negotiations with suspect ongoing as standoff hits seven-hour mark

Wednesday 14 February 2024 19:30 , Katie Hawkinson

A negotiator is on scene to speak with the shooter who wounded three Washington, DC police officers and has since barricaded himself inside a home, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said around 2 pm local time.

“Sometimes he’s up, sometimes he’s down, but we’re still in communication with the subject,” Ms Smith said.

Nearby charter school releases students early

Wednesday 14 February 2024 19:45 , Katie Hawkinson

Nearby KIPP DC LEAP Academy, a public charter school, released students early at 2 pm local time, according to Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith.

Meanwhile, two nearby elementary schools were also on lockdown this morning as the shooting unfolded in Southeast Washington, DC.

White House comments on DC standoff

Wednesday 14 February 2024 19:50 , Katie Hawkinson

“This shooting is yet another distressing and painful reminder of the toll gun violence is inflicting on families, on our communities and, obviously, on our nation,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Wednesday afternoon.Ms Jean-Pierre also said Joe Biden was praying for the officers to make full recoveries and called for more congressional action on guns.

WATCH: ‘Why is this happening?’ DC resident responds to Southeast shooting

Wednesday 14 February 2024 20:10 , Katie Hawkinson

Eight-hour standoff continues

Wednesday 14 February 2024 20:29 , Katie Hawkinson

Police are now going on hour eight of the standoff with a Washington, DC man who has barricaded himself inside a Southeast home.

In their last update to the media, officials said a negotiator is on the scene speaking with the suspect. The three wounded officers were also reported to be in “good spirits” after they were transported to a local hospital.

ICYMI: Three police officers shot as gunman remains barricaded in Washington DC home

Wednesday 14 February 2024 21:02 , Katie Hawkinson

Three police officers in Washington, DC, were shot as they attempted to serve an arrest warrant for cruelty to animals, authorities said.

The suspect, who has not yet been named, was barricaded in a house in the 5000 block of Hanna Place Southeast near Benning Road, police said at a press conference on Wednesday. Multiple loud gunshots could be heard, captured on neighbours’ home security systems.

Authorities say that around 7.30am the individual “refused to come outside” and as officers “attempted to gain entry, the individual fired upon them.” As of 4 pm local time the incident is ongoing.

Read more from The Independent’s Kelly Rissman and Mike Bedigan:

ICYMI: Humane Rescue Alliance gives support to officers

Wednesday 14 February 2024 21:43 , Katie Hawkinson

The Humane Rescue Alliance conveyed their support for Washington, DC police, who arrived at the home to serve a warrant for animal cruelty. The stand-off has now reached hour nine.

“Our thoughts are with our partners at MPD who are being treated in the hospital and we are wishing them all the best in their recovery,” the group said in a statement. “We could not fulfill our mission without them. We are also concerned for the safety of the officers who remain on scene, the community members who continue to be affected, and the animals whom we were there to protect.”

DC shooting coincides with Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade tragedy

Wednesday 14 February 2024 23:00 , Katie Hawkinson

While police engaged in a multi-hour standoff in Washington, DC, at least one person was killed and several were injured by a shooter at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade on Wednesday afternoon.

Three of the wounded were in critical condition as of Wednesday afternoon, according to local news reports.

Two suspects have reportedly been detained in connection with the shooting.

Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said she was “angry” about the shooting, and offered her sympathies to those affected.

“This tragedy occurred even in the presence of uniformed law enforcement officers who again ran towards them and took them into custody. To the people who were injured in this tragedy,” she said. “Our hearts go out to you and your families.”

Keep up with The Independent’s live coverage of the tragedy here:

Kansas City parade shooting live: One killed and 14 injured at Chiefs victory rally

Suspect remains barricaded: police

Wednesday 14 February 2024 23:05 , Katie Hawkinson

The suspect remains in the home as the stand-off hits eleven straight hours, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said at a 6 pm press conference.

Ms Smith said sometimes the suspect is “agitated, and then there are moments where he’s having positive interactions with our emergency response team personnel.”

How long could standoff last?

Wednesday 14 February 2024 23:15 , Katie Hawkinson

When asked at a Wednesday night press conference about how long the standoff will be “tolerated,” Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith minced no words in her response:

“I will tolerate this as long as we continue to engage with the subject to get him to surrender to our law enforcement personnel.”

Police chief directed focus towards wounded officers rather than animal cruelty charges

Wednesday 14 February 2024 23:30 , Katie Hawkinson

When asked to expand on the animal cruelty charges, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith focused instead on the officers wounded when serving the warrant.

“So let me not be glib about my response to your question specifically related to the animals,” Ms Smith said. “I don't want it to be lost on anyone today that we've had three officers who were shot with the Metropolitan Police Department. Three of our officers were shot today, serving an arrest warrant to someone who was cruel to animals.”

“The same type of response that we provide for our officers, we have that same care for animals as well, but I don't want it to be lost on anyone today that the reason why we are here right now is because three of our officers have been shot,” she continued.

SEE IT: Doorbell camera captures gunshots in Washington, DC

00:00 , Katie Hawkinson

WATCH: ‘Why is this happening?’ DC resident responds to Southeast shooting

02:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Washington DC police thank partners for help in ‘critical’ operation

03:29 , Shweta Sharma

Washington DC police department expressed gratitude to men and women of the Metropolitan Police Department and other departments and agencies for their help during the standoff.

“We would like to thank the men and women of the Metropolitan Police Department, our local, state, and federal partners, and the multiple District of Columbia agencies for their assistance during this critical incident,” police said.

DC resident reacts to shooting

04:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Some residents described how the incident unfolded, and said that the police needed to have “better communication and relationships” with those living in the neighbourhood.

One woman told Fox5 : “I don’t live too far, I heard a lot of the sirens - that was concerning. At the point that the sirens didnt stop I came outside to understand what’s going on.

“From my understanding the person who has caused all this commotion has not been caught. Why is this happening? Why did the individual feel the need to shoot the police? ... just why? There’s a lot of whys.”

She continued: “Things do happen like this, not necessarily the police getting shot but people getting shot and when they do, we have never had the street shut down like this. We have never had 100 police officers telling us we cannot leave the area.

“We have never had this for our citizens who got shot. So this is a matter for the police, they’re handling their own.”

Read more from The Independent’s Kelly Rissman and Mike Bedigan:

Three police officers shot as gunman remains barricaded in Washington DC home

Parents worried for their children at nearby schools on Wednesday afternoon

06:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Two parents told NBC Washington about their concerns for their children as the standoff unfolded near two elementary schools.

“This is a magnitude of police cars I’ve never seen in my life,” one mother told the outlet on Wednesday.

“I’m outraged because my son goes right here to this school. I was coming to take him to school and wasn’t able to get through and I’m just like … I’m shocked. I’m really shocked,” another mother told NBC Washington.

Wednesday’s shooting in context

08:00 , Katie Hawkinson

The incident comes as the District of Columbia is struggling with a sharp increase in violent crime, which went up 39% in 2023, The Independent’s Kelly Rissman and Mike Bedigan reported. It was largely fueled by a 35% rise in homicides and growth in carjackings, which nearly doubled.

Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith has previously pushed lawmakers to pass legislation that would strengthen penalties for gun offences in the nation’s capital.

Read more:

Three police officers shot as gunman remains barricaded in Washington DC home

ICYMI: DC shooting coincided with Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade tragedy

10:00 , Katie Hawkinson

While police engaged in a multi-hour standoff in Washington, DC, at least one person was killed and several were injured by a shooter at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade on Wednesday afternoon.

Keep up with The Independent’s live coverage of the tragedy here:

One killed and 14 injured in shooting at Kansas City Super Bowl parade: Live

ICYMI: Humane Rescue Alliance gives support to officers

12:00 , Katie Hawkinson

The Humane Rescue Alliance conveyed their support for Washington, DC police, who arrived at the home to serve a warrant for animal cruelty. An employee of the organization was on site when the shooting began and was not injured, NBC Washington reports.

“Our thoughts are with our partners at MPD who are being treated in the hospital and we are wishing them all the best in their recovery,” the group said in a statement. “We could not fulfill our mission without them. We are also concerned for the safety of the officers who remain on scene, the community members who continue to be affected, and the animals whom we were there to protect.”

ICYMI: Police chief directed focus towards wounded officers rather than animal cruelty charges

14:00 , Katie Hawkinson

When asked to expand on the animal cruelty charges, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith focused instead on the officers wounded when serving the warrant.

“So let me not be glib about my response to your question specifically related to the animals,” Ms Smith said. “I don’t want it to be lost on anyone today that we’ve had three officers who were shot with the Metropolitan Police Department. Three of our officers were shot today, serving an arrest warrant on someone who was cruel to animals.”

“The same type of response that we provide for our officers, we have that same care for animals as well, but I don’t want it to be lost on anyone today that the reason why we are here right now is because three of our officers have been shot,” she continued.