There was yet another shooting in the neighborhood. This time around 10:30 am today near Hamilton Street NE and Ingraham Street NE. Last week, there were shootings literally four days in a row near Jefferson Street NE. They took a break for the snowstorm and started again after the snowstorm. Meetings are happening, but neither MPD nor DC officials are going to say publicly exactly what they are doing to address this very real public health and safety threat. Nor do they have a clear public answer for why there is this recent spike in shootings, providing answers such as individuals being released from prison who are being targeted by violence or individuals who have committed offenses such as robberies who are now being targeted in retaliation, but they are not going to give details on investigations in any public setting.

What they will say publicly is that they strongly encourage residents to take advantage of the city’s private security rebate program to receive reimbursement for the purchase and installation of security cameras on homes. Residents receiving public assistance may receive a voucher for purchase and installation of cameras. In addition, eligible seniors and persons with disabilities may receive private security cameras at no charge through the DC Department of Aging and Community Living.

Residents can text tips to MPD at 50411.

And residents should feel free to express their concerns and suggestions for addressing this issue to DC officials:

Mayor Bowser Chief of Staff John Falcicchio – john.falcicchio@dc.gov
Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie – kenyan.mcduffie@dccouncil.us
Acting Deputy Mayor for Public Safety & Justice Christopher Geldhart – christopher.geldart@dc.gov with a copy to community outreach specialist Jasmin Benab at jasmin.benab@dc.gov
Interim MPD Chief Robert Contee – robert.contee@dc.gov

Hopefully we as a neighborhood can get a handle on these now daily shootings being perpetrated by known individuals to the community.