Six people were shot in Washington, D.C.’s Logan Circle neighborhood on Thursday morning, police said. The suspect is now barricaded in an apartment complex, the Metro Police Department confirmed.
The New York Police Department’s post in Washington, D.C. said that there are six victims. One is believed to be dead, according to the NYPD. The conditions of the other victims were not immediately available. Sources previously told CBS News there were five victims.
Law enforcement sources told CBS News the barricaded suspect is a White man. The NYPD also described the suspect as a heavy-set White male. The suspect has not been identified.
CBS News national security correspondent Nicole Sganga says it appears the suspect opened fire outside a Vida Fitness gym around 8:20 a.m., then entered the facility where they continued to shoot, then retreated into a parking garage and ascended into the apartment building before barricading themselves on the seventh floor.
The situation remains ongoing. At least two more gunshots were heard from the barricaded building around 9:45 a.m. CBS News was told that the suspect is continuing to fire out the apartment window.
The NYPD said that SWAT officers with the Metro Police Department have engaged in a dialogue with the suspect.
Residents have been asked to avoid the area, which is about one mile north of the White House. Several streets have been closed, and a shelter-in-place order has been issued. Helicopters could be seen overhead.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said its Washington Bureau was at the scene and assisting. The Federal Bureau of Investigation said its Washington field office was also aiding the MPD.
The Secret Service, U.S. Marshals and U.S. Park Police were also responding to the scene. There are no Secret Service protectees involved. The agency and FBI responded because of their proximity to the incident, not because of any connection to the White House.
Witnesses describe “horrific” scene
Witness Jennifer Christine said she was on a treadmill in the gym when she heard shots ring out. She said she witnessed one death inside the gym before leaving the building and taking shelter in a local bagel shop.
“There was no way of getting out of the gym other than going past that scene,” Christine told reporters. “It was like chaos. It was horrific, honestly.”
Witness Max Smith told media that he heard multiple shots around 8:30 a.m. He said he and about 10 other bystanders also took shelter in the bagel shop.
“I’m very shaken up,” Smith said. “You know, you don’t expect it.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.