U.S. Park Police Officer Shot in Washington, D.C.

An officer with the U.S. Park Police was hospitalized after being shot in the shoulder Monday night in Washington, D.C., with non-life-threatening injuries.

Details of the Shooting

The shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. On Drake Place Southeast, in the Marshall Heights neighborhood, near the border with Maryland according to reports.

U.S. Park Police Chief Scott Brecht stated in a news briefing that the officer was “ambushed” by two gunmen who opened fire as the officer drove by in an unmarked vehicle as reported by the Associated Press. The officer was working in connection with an ongoing U.S. Park Police investigation at the time.

The officer, driving an unmarked white Tesla, continued driving after the shooting and received initial medical attention from fellow officers before being airlifted by a U.S. Park Police helicopter to a local hospital.

Investigation and Suspect Description

U.S. Park Police Capt. James Dingeldein indicated that the suspects may have been aware the victim was a law enforcement officer .

Authorities are currently searching for two male suspects. They have been described as Black males, one wearing a white hoodie with blue jeans and the other wearing all black clothing with a white stripe down the sleeve and pant leg .

The U.S. Park Police were already investigating a separate incident in the area when the shooting took place .

Official Reactions

Interim Chief of D.C. Police, Jeffery Carroll, condemned the shooting as an example of “unnecessary gun violence” and emphasized that the officer was intentionally targeted .

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed her support for the officer and gratitude for law enforcement and first responders .

Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel both released statements offering prayers and support for the officer and pledging assistance in the investigation .

Seeking Information

Federal officials are assisting with the investigation, which is being led by D.C. Police. Anyone with information is asked to contact the D.C. Police at 202-727-9099.

The U.S. Park Police have jurisdiction in Washington, D.C., New York City, and San Francisco .

For non-emergency communications, the U.S. Park Police can be reached at (202) 610-7505 .