WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Growing frustration over rising violence and drug activity in the Shaw neighborhood brought dozens of residents to the streets Monday evening in a united call for action.
The gathering took place on the steps of the Kennedy Recreation Center on 7th Street NW, just two blocks from where 21-year-old intern Eric Tarpyinian-Jachym was killed by a stray bullet. His tragic death marked a breaking point for many in the community.
“A Breaking Point for Our Neighborhood”
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) Steven McCarty, who organized the walk, said recent incidents—including the unresolved shooting of Tarpyinian-Jachym—highlight a disturbing trend.
“It really just felt like a breaking point,” McCarty told 7News’ Lianna Golden.
Residents expressed deep concern over what they say is a lack of consistent attention and follow-through from city officials.
Joe Battistelli, a longtime Shaw resident, voiced the neighborhood’s mounting frustration:
“It’s horrific. The community needs the city to pay more attention to the issues that we’re having.”
Drug Activity Adds to Safety Concerns
In addition to gun violence, residents also pointed to increased drug activity, particularly in alleys and certain hotspots throughout the neighborhood. During the walk, activists displayed street-accessible vending machines that provide free Narcan, a life-saving drug that can reverse opioid overdoses.
Johnny Bailey of HIPS, a harm-reduction nonprofit, demonstrated how Narcan works:
“If you see someone falling out, like they’re not breathing and you’re not able to wake them up, all you gotta do is tilt the head back, spray the spray in here, and it will revive them. This has saved a lot of lives—literally thousands in this community.”
While many support the public health approach to substance use, some residents worry it also reflects a failure to address root causes and prevent illegal activity.
Police and City Officials Respond
During the walk, residents had the opportunity to speak directly with 3rd District Commander Sean Connors. Golden asked Connors what his department plans to do next.
“We were hearing things about different blocks, alleys, and things that they’re seeing,” Connors said. “Now we know about them and we can address and move our resources around… That’s feedback we can take to the officers and make sure that we’re patrolling in the right places.”
Still, residents emphasized that action must follow words. While city leaders—including representatives from the Mayor’s office—often attend community events, neighbors say they rarely see long-term follow-up.
“The Mayor‘s office and other offices are wonderful to talk to, and they come on walks,” said Battistelli, “but then we don’t see the follow-up.”
Pushing for Accountability
Commissioner McCarty said the city must dedicate more resources and sustained attention to troubled corridors in Shaw, and he intends to hold agencies accountable.
“I am going to be keeping my eyes on that because I want to make sure that what we’re hearing from our agencies is actually happening on the ground,” McCarty said.
As summer continues and the city faces ongoing public safety challenges, Shaw residents are demanding not just presence, but meaningful progress. From gun violence to drug overdoses, neighbors say their streets must be made safer—and they’re determined to keep pushing until that happens.
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