MPD Recovers 60 Illegal Firearms in One Week; Maryland Man Faces Charges

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has taken a major step in its ongoing fight against gun violence, recovering 60 illegal firearms across the District during a week-long operation from July 21 to July 27, 2025.

The effort, part of MPD’s broader strategy to reduce armed crime, involved coordinated work between specialized units and patrol officers. The department said these seizures reflect its intelligence-based policing approach, focusing on removing dangerous weapons from the streets and dismantling the channels of illegal gun trafficking.

Maryland Man Arrested in Gun Seizure

Among the week’s significant recoveries was a Glock 30 .40-caliber handgun, discovered in the 5600 block of Chillum Place, Northeast.

Izaiah Pharoah McNeil, 29, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, was arrested in connection with the firearm. He faces multiple charges, including:

Carrying a pistol without a license
Possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device

The MPD said McNeil’s arrest underscores its zero-tolerance policy toward illegal firearms possession, with swift enforcement aimed at deterring armed offenders.

Part of a Larger Enforcement Push

While the weekly tally of 60 guns is significant, the department emphasized that the figure does not represent all firearms recovered in the District during that period. Instead, it highlights the consistent efforts of MPD officers to intercept weapons before they can be used in crimes.

MPD’s strategy includes:

Targeting high-risk areas identified through crime data and community intelligence
Working with federal and regional partners to track the sources of illegal firearms
Prioritizing arrests of armed, violent offenders to disrupt ongoing criminal activity

These tactics aim to address not only the presence of illegal guns but also the violence and trafficking networks that fuel their circulation.

Community and Officer Safety

MPD officials stressed that all enforcement efforts are carried out with a commitment to community respect and officer safety. By combining targeted operations with community engagement, the department hopes to maintain public trust while addressing one of the city’s most pressing threats.

“This operation shows that every recovered gun represents a potential crime prevented,” an MPD spokesperson said. “Our work is ongoing, and we will continue to pursue those who put our neighborhoods at risk through illegal gun possession.”

Continuing the Fight Against Gun Violence

The MPD’s weekly firearms recovery report is part of a transparency effort to keep residents informed about law enforcement’s work in tackling gun violence. The department noted that while one gun seized may seem small in the grand scope of the issue, each recovery reduces the chances of injury or death.

As the capital continues to grapple with the challenges of illegal firearms, the MPD remains focused on steady, consistent enforcement — removing weapons from circulation, holding offenders accountable, and working to make Washington, D.C., safer for all residents.