Washington attack: Four shot near Howard University campus; what we know so far

At least four people were shot near Howard University in Washington DC on Friday evening as thousands were gathered for homecoming festivities, the Metropolitan Police Department confirmed.

The shooting took place around 8.23 pm (local time) in the 600 block of Howard Place, close to the university’s Yard and the School of Architecture. Officials said one person is in critical condition while another sustained serious injuries. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of victims or whether any suspects have been detained.

DC Police said the scene had been secured and that an investigation was underway. “Alert: Shooting investigation in the area of Georgia Avenue and Howard Place, NW. Avoid the area. Details to come. The scene is secure. Media staging area in the area of Georgia and W Street, NW,” police said in a post on X.

DC Traffic Police also announced road closures in the vicinity as part of the ongoing investigation, while assuring that the situation was under control.

Howard University’s Homecoming celebrations, which began last weekend, were scheduled to continue through Sunday. Friday’s events included a Homecoming Kickoff and a Greek Step Show, with several more programmes planned for the weekend.