Washington, D.C. — A tragic incident in Northeast D.C. has left a family and community grieving after a 14-year-old girl died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound while filming a video for social media.
At approximately 5:09 p.m., officers from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Fifth District responded to a call reporting a shooting in the 1700 block of Benning Road, Northeast. When they arrived at the scene, they discovered the young girl inside an apartment, suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.
Officers immediately performed lifesaving efforts, but sadly, the girl succumbed to her injuries.
Social Media Video Turns Tragic
According to MPD’s preliminary investigation, the girl was handling a firearm while recording a video for social media when the weapon accidentally discharged. The bullet struck her in the upper torso.
Authorities confirmed that multiple individuals, including at least one adult, were present in the apartment at the time of the shooting. The firearm involved has since been recovered by police.
A Sobering Reminder About Gun Safety
In a statement, Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith expressed deep sympathy and issued a powerful warning about the dangers of unsecured firearms.
“This is a devastating reminder of the dangers of weapons getting into the hands of young people in our city, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the decedent,” Smith said. “Firearms are not toys or props and they must be properly secured in a place where they can only be accessed by lawful gun owners.”
The case underscores growing concerns over the intersection of youth, firearms, and social media, and has prompted calls for better gun storage practices and increased education about firearm safety in households.
Ongoing Investigation
Fifth District detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As of now, no charges have been filed, but police are reviewing all aspects of the incident, including how the teenager accessed the firearm and whether any laws were violated.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department by calling 202-727-9099 or sending a text tip to 50411.
This tragic case adds to the growing number of firearm-related incidents involving minors across the United States, further highlighting the urgent need for responsible gun ownership, particularly in homes with children or teens. The community mourns the loss of a young life that ended far too soon due to a preventable accident.
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