WASHINGTON, D.C. – A Northeast Washington church that has endured repeated shootouts outside its doors is now urging federal officials to direct more resources to the troubled apartment complex at the center of the violence.
Families Forced to Duck for Cover
Just one month ago, terrifying video captured by 7News showed families running for safety inside the Solid Rock Perfecting Church as bullets sprayed across the neighborhood near 15th Street and Benning Road NE.
More than 140 shots were fired during that July gunfight, striking homes, vehicles, and even the church itself. For members of the congregation, the incident was not an isolated one. Pastor Corey Lipscomb said churchgoers have been forced multiple times to drop to the ground in the middle of Bible study or Sunday services when violence erupts nearby.
“The fear factor of the community has quite drastically increased,” Lipscomb told 7News. “It has impacted not just the church but the entire neighborhood.”
The Pentacle Apartments: A Crime Hotspot
Much of the violence is linked to the Pentacle Apartments, a complex that residents and police acknowledge as a hub for criminal activity. Since the start of 2025, D.C.’s crime map shows 22 violent crimes reported in and around the property.
Shootouts, drug activity, and armed robberies have created an environment where families no longer feel safe gathering outside, and churches like Solid Rock have seen attendance decline.
Pastor Lipscomb believes a targeted federal response is urgently needed. “We certainly need that presence, we certainly need that assistance so the community can thrive again as it once did,” he said.
Federal Surge in D.C.
The violence near the church occurred just weeks before the federal government launched a surge of officers into Washington, D.C. to combat rising crime. Federal law enforcement agencies have increased patrols and partnered with D.C. Police to address gun violence and gang activity.
Local officers also boosted their presence in Northeast D.C. immediately after the July shooting. But despite the additional patrols, Pastor Lipscomb says his community has not yet felt the relief they were hoping for.
“Even now we haven’t seen a drastic change enough to make people say, ‘Hey, I want to be back out on my porch like I used to,’” Lipscomb explained.
Community Impact
The repeated outbreaks of violence have had a lasting effect on residents’ quality of life. For the congregation at Solid Rock Perfecting Church, fear has replaced fellowship. Families who once gathered freely for worship now hesitate to attend services, and children who should be playing outside are kept indoors.
“The shootings have drastically changed the way people feel about their neighborhood,” Lipscomb said. “It’s hard to build faith when people are constantly worried about their safety.”
A Call for Targeted Enforcement
Lipscomb’s message is clear: the community needs more than general patrols. He is urging federal and local officials to focus enforcement efforts directly at the Pentacle Apartments, where much of the crime originates.
Residents believe that sustained attention from federal task forces could disrupt the cycle of violence and restore a sense of peace. “The right presence, the right use of federal officers, can give our congregation the safety it deserves,” Lipscomb said.
What Comes Next
It remains unclear whether a dedicated federal task force will be stationed at or near the Pentacle Apartments. 7News continues to seek confirmation from authorities on whether the site will be included in the ongoing federal crime surge.
For now, residents and church leaders alike are left hoping that a stronger law enforcement presence will turn the tide in their neighborhood – and allow worshipers at Solid Rock to once again gather without fear.
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