Two young men were shot near a church in Northeast Washington, D.C., on Monday afternoon, disrupting the opening day of a summer youth employment program focused on preventing gun violence.
The shooting happened shortly after 4 p.m. near the intersection of 18th Street and Gales Street Northeast in the Benning Road area. Emergency crews responded quickly and transported both victims to a nearby hospital by ambulance.
Authorities have not released updated information about the victims’ medical conditions. Police believe the two injured men are in their late teens or early twenties.
The shooting took place only steps away from a church where dozens of teenagers and young adults had gathered for the first day of a summer training program. The initiative prepares participants to work as community leaders in efforts to reduce gun violence across the city.
Officials have not confirmed whether either of the shooting victims was enrolled in the youth program. The investigation remains active, and police have not released details about what led to the shooting or whether any suspects have been identified.
Following the gunfire, police secured the area around the church as detectives began collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. The crime scene remained closed while investigators worked to determine what happened.
Parents waiting outside the church said they became increasingly concerned after officers restricted access to the building during the investigation. Many families said they were unable to immediately reunite with their children after the shooting.
According to several parents, the young participants remained inside the church for nearly two hours while police processed the scene. Families said the delay caused anxiety as they waited outside for information.
One parent said she was able to contact her son through a video call while he remained inside the church. According to the family, he told her that participants were not yet being allowed to leave because of the ongoing police investigation.
The youth employment program was created to help young people develop leadership skills while supporting violence prevention efforts in their communities. Participants receive training designed to encourage conflict resolution, community engagement, and positive mentorship during the summer months.
Community leaders have increasingly supported programs like this as part of broader efforts to reduce youth violence and strengthen neighborhood safety. Such initiatives often bring together local organizations, mentors, and young residents to promote peaceful solutions and provide employment opportunities during school breaks.
The shooting cast a shadow over what organizers had hoped would be a positive start to the summer program. Parents expressed concern that an initiative focused on preventing violence had begun under such difficult circumstances.
Police have not announced whether the shooting was targeted or whether there is any ongoing threat to the public. Detectives continue examining evidence from the scene and are working to establish the sequence of events.
Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage from nearby buildings and speak with additional witnesses as they search for those responsible. No arrests had been announced as of Monday night.
Gun violence remains a significant concern in several parts of Washington, D.C., where community organizations continue working with local agencies to provide prevention programs for young people. Officials say these efforts are intended to reduce crime by offering education, employment, and mentorship opportunities.
The Northeast DC Shooting remains under investigation as police seek more information about the incident. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the shooting or has relevant information to contact investigators to assist with the ongoing case. The conditions of the two victims have not yet been released.
