Getty Images/Jeremy Hogan
What was meant to be a celebratory kickoff to Howard University’s homecoming weekend quickly turned scary when five people were shot near the school on Friday, Oct. 24. Fox5DC reports that the shooting reportedly occurred while Howard hosted its homecoming Yard Fest.
Police have launched an investigation after a shooting near Georgia Avenue and Howard Place in Northwest D.C. on Friday night injured five people. NBCWashington reports that the victims included four adults and a teen, who were transferred to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Per the outlet, Howard University stated that an alleged fight or confrontation between two people broke out before the gunfire. So far, no details have surfaced about the individuals involved. In a Saturday statement on Oct. 25, Howard University confirmed that none of its students, staff, or faculty were hurt or took part in the incident.
“The safety and well-being of the Howard University community is our highest priority. HUPD has implemented enhanced security measures throughout the weekend, including an increased presence of University security personnel and local law enforcement agencies on and around campus to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all,”Howard’s statement read.
CBS News reports that police quickly arrested two suspects after the shooting and recovered three firearms at the scene. So far, authorities haven’t shared any additional information about the individuals or the motive behind the incident. During a press conference, MPD Chief Pamela Smith urged people to stop the violence.“We’re not going to tolerate individuals coming into our town with firearms,”MPD Smith said.
After TSR posted about the shooting near Howard during Homecoming weekend, social media users flooded the comment section with their thoughts. Many shared heartbreak over the violence, while others felt relieved that everyone survived.
Instagram user @kay.michele_ wrote, “I hate that we cant ever celebrate anything without some type of violence like this. Its just so sad.”
Instagram user @i_got_shot_bitch wrote, “Yes! No death, much healing to them especially that baby ”
While Instagram user @missmilanzoe wrote, “Comeeeee onnnnn . Can we just have homecoming without looking like we dont know how to act.”
Then Instagram user @ahyoka_heyoka_ wrote, “Got the police and national guards in Dc and Md giving out citations for bus fare and metro but they didnt catch this?”
Another Instagram user @softascotten wrote, “The curfew need to be intact, right now! This is ridiculous.”
While another Instagram user @cammyblend wrote, “Where the National guards at??!???”
Then another Instagram user @mrs.hynson wrote, “These homecomings are getting so violent and its not the students its the outsiders that threaten the whole experience! Thank God they all are alive ”
Finally, Instagram user @berrylicious77 wrote, “I pray that everyone remains safe for the rest of the Homecoming season the DMV is busy this weekend ”
