21 People Shot, Including Off-Duty Cop At Large Gathering In Washington, DC

An illegal gathering with hundreds of people in Washington, D.C. ended in gunfire early Sunday (August 9) morning. Officials said that 21 people were shot, including an off-duty police officer. One person, identified as 17-year-old Christopher Brown, was pronounced dead.

The off-duty officer is in the hospital, "struggling for her life." The rest of the injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Officials said the organizers did not have a permit and were not allowed to gather due to D.C.'s coronavirus restrictions. There were police officers in the vicinity, but they were unable to disperse the crowd.

"There were not sufficient officers to be able to move a crowd of that size," D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said.

Authorities said that the shooting stemmed from an argument between a group of people at the party. At least three people pulled out guns and started firing into the crowd. Police have not made any arrests and are continuing to investigate the shooting.

"Sadly, several people who have no regard for human life opened fire at what had been people together, enjoying themselves," Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

Photo: Getty Images


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