WASHINGTON, D.C. — Police are continuing the search for two suspects involved in an armed robbery that targeted three high school students Wednesday morning just blocks from their school. The incident has sparked community outrage and renewed calls for better protection for young people commuting to class in the city.
Armed Robbery Near Eastern Senior High School
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, three students from Eastern Senior High School were approached and robbed by several unknown suspects at around 9:15 a.m. on East Capitol Street NE, in the 1700 block, just steps away from campus.
Police say the suspects brandished firearms and took valuables from the teens before fleeing in two separate vehicles — a small silver SUV and a black sedan. All suspects were reportedly dressed in black clothing, and remain at large.
One Student Hospitalized, Community in Shock
In a letter to parents, school officials confirmed that one of the students was transported to a hospital following the incident. Details about the student’s injuries or condition have not been released.
The attack has rattled nearby residents, including Abigail Tanner, who lives less than a block from where the robbery occurred. She says the rise in youth-involved violence is deeply troubling for families like hers.
“These are people’s lives, and it doesn’t take much for them to be shattered,” Tanner told WUSA9. “I wish there was more to do. I think community effort is it. Police presence is helpful. At least acknowledging there is crime that could be deterred because there is presence of enforcement.”
Safe Passage Program Cuts Under Scrutiny
The incident comes just one day after Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office announced budget cuts for the upcoming fiscal year, including the suspension of Safe Passage programming during the summer months. The move is expected to save the city around $3 million, but critics argue it sends the wrong message at a time when safety concerns are escalating.
The Safe Passage program was originally designed to provide a visible, supportive presence around schools during arrival and dismissal times, helping students get to and from school safely by preventing violence and offering assistance if needed.
“You just hate it for the kids that are trying to make it,” Tanner added. “You want the Safe Passage program for them, for all students, but especially the kids trying to do the right thing. You want protection for them.”
Increased Police Presence and Safety Tips Shared
In response to the robbery, school officials announced that additional police officers will be stationed in the area for the remainder of the week during both arrival and dismissal hours. While the move is temporary, the goal is to reassure students and parents and discourage further criminal activity.
In the same letter sent to families, school officials urged parents to speak to their children about street safety and included several recommendations:
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Travel in groups or with a friend, neighbor, or trusted adult.
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Arrive at school early — by 8:15 a.m. — to avoid last-minute commutes.
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Keep valuables out of sight, including phones, jewelry, and cash.
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Avoid distractions like wearing headphones or texting while walking.
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Use main roads and avoid alleys or secluded areas with low visibility.
Broader Concerns About Youth Safety in D.C.
The armed robbery is the latest in a troubling trend of violence involving teens in the District, both as victims and alleged offenders. In recent years, gun violence and carjackings have increasingly impacted youth, sparking a citywide conversation about policing, prevention, and youth outreach programs.
For many parents and community members, Wednesday’s incident has reinforced the need for holistic, community-based safety strategies. While police presence provides temporary deterrence, advocates say long-term solutions will require sustained investment in education, mental health, mentorship, and neighborhood programs that give young people alternatives to violence.
Investigation Ongoing
As of Thursday, the suspects remain at large. The Metropolitan Police Department is asking anyone with information or video footage related to the incident to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the Crime Solvers tip line or online.
Meanwhile, families and students are left grappling with the emotional toll of a robbery that occurred during what should have been a normal school morning — a sobering reminder that the walk to school is not guaranteed to be safe for all.
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