WASHINGTON, D.C. (THECOUNT) — One person was killed and four others were injured Thursday morning when a gunman opened fire at and around a VIDA Fitness center in Washington’s Logan Circle neighborhood, about a mile north of the White House. The suspected shooter later died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after barricading himself inside an apartment building.
The shooting began shortly before 8 a.m. Nov. 12 near the intersection of 15th and P streets Northwest. Police said five people were shot during the incident. One victim died, another was hospitalized in critical condition, and three others suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
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Gunfire erupted inside and outside the VIDA Fitness facility at 1517 15th Street NW. Authorities said the victims were shot at multiple locations in the area, including the gym and outside the building. Investigators also believe the gunman may have shot someone inside a parking-garage elevator.
Witness James Spellman was inside the gym when the shooting began. He said approximately 50 people were inside the facility at the time.
Spellman described seeing a man fall to the floor after being shot in the neck. He said another gym member rushed to help the victim, who appeared to have died at the scene.
Spellman and other gym members fled the facility. He reported hearing additional gunfire inside and outside the building as people ran for safety.
The suspected gunman barricaded himself on the seventh floor of an apartment building above the gym. Police said he fired at responding officers, who took positions around the building as the department’s Emergency Response Team and SWAT personnel worked to contain the situation.
Negotiators communicated with the suspect for more than an hour. Officers eventually heard a gunshot inside the apartment. When they entered, they found the suspect with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities said he died by suicide.
Interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffery Carroll said investigators believe the suspect had a dispute involving the apartment building’s homeowners association. Police also said the suspect was believed to be a member of the gym. Authorities have not publicly identified him or established a definitive motive.
A fire was also reported in the building during the incident and was extinguished. Investigators have not released further details about how it started.
The shooting prompted a large police response and emergency restrictions throughout Logan Circle and nearby Dupont Circle. Police urged residents and visitors to avoid the 1500 block of 15th Street NW and directed people in the surrounding area to shelter in place.
Nearby schools were placed on alert, with access restricted while officers worked to secure the area. The FBI’s Washington field office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also sent agents to assist local authorities.
The White House was briefed on the incident. Authorities have not released the names of the deceased victim, the injured victims or the gunman. The investigation into the shootings and the circumstances leading up to them remains ongoing.
The shooting occurred at VIDA Fitness, 1517 15th Street NW, in Washington’s Logan Circle neighborhood, near P Street and approximately one mile north of the White House.
Google Maps: VIDA Fitness, 1517 15th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
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