Councilmember McDuffie has issued the following statement on recent violence in Ward 5:
“Last night there was another shooting in Ward 5; it was the fifth act of gun violence in Ward 5 over the past two weeks. As a neighbor, a father, and your representative, I am both outraged and heartbroken that these acts continue to happen in our community. When these incidents happen, they can make us feel vulnerable and scared. We all deserve to live in a community where we feel safe.
I have been in constant communication with MPD and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) since last night’s shooting on the 2300 block of Rhode Island Avenue. From what I have gathered, the recent violence stems from an ongoing conflict between multiple rival groups within Ward 5 and was not connected in any way to the businesses located along Rhode Island Avenue.
I share your concerns and want to share some of the work I have been doing to address the recent violence. I have called for an immediate increase in police presence within the targeted neighborhoods and an expeditious deployment of violence prevention resources.
I have worked with the mayor to ensure ONSE has additional funding to hire violence intervention specialists and outreach workers within the impacted neighborhoods where violence has been most prevalent. Last week, I did two community walk throughs with MPD, ONSE, and other agencies to talk with residents, identify trouble spots and talk through collective actions we can take. Today, I have spent my time listening to resident concerns and going door to door speaking with business owners along Rhode Island Avenue.
Additionally, I will be hosting a series of community conversations in the coming weeks to answer questions and discuss matters in more detail. Once determined, details regarding these meetings will be shared broadly and provided to ANCs, civic associations, and posted to neighborhood listservs. Please share this information with your neighbors and contact my office at 202-724-8028 with any questions.”
