Two Shootings a Block Apart on MLK Avenue Leave Three Injured

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two separate shootings just a block apart turned a busy Southeast Washington corridor into a crime scene Monday evening, leaving three people injured and prompting renewed concerns about gun violence in the city.

First Shooting: Teen Wounded

The violence began around 5 p.m. on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, where police say a teenage boy was shot. Authorities confirmed that the victim was taken to a hospital by private transportation before emergency crews arrived. His injuries were described as non-life-threatening, and police reported he was conscious and breathing when last seen.

Detectives quickly cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence, interviewing potential witnesses, and searching for surveillance footage from nearby businesses.

Second Shooting: Two More Victims

Just as investigators were processing the first scene, another burst of gunfire erupted approximately 90 minutes later on the 2900 block of MLK Avenue SE. When officers arrived, they found two adult men suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

As with the first victim, officials confirmed that both men were last reported to be conscious and breathing.

Investigations Underway

Police have not released descriptions of potential suspects or a motive for either shooting. Investigators are working to determine whether the incidents are related, given their proximity in time and location.

Authorities stressed that it is too early to draw conclusions but noted that shootings occurring so close together raise concerns about retaliatory violence or disputes between groups.

Community Impact

The shootings disrupted evening activity along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, a commercial and residential corridor that serves as a central artery through Southeast Washington. Police activity forced partial street closures, and residents expressed frustration that violence had once again struck so close to home.

Gun violence has remained a pressing issue in D.C., particularly in neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. While overall crime trends have fluctuated, residents and community leaders continue to press for more effective prevention strategies.

Call for Information

D.C. police are urging anyone with information about either shooting to come forward. Tips can be provided by calling the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or by texting anonymous information to 50411.

Officials emphasized that community cooperation is often key to solving violent crime cases, particularly when suspects have not yet been identified.

Broader Context

The twin shootings come at a time when public safety remains a central issue for city officials. Councilmembers and neighborhood leaders have highlighted the need for both stronger policing and deeper investments in youth programs, conflict mediation, and job opportunities aimed at reducing the root causes of violence.

While police patrols continue to increase in high-violence corridors, many residents say more must be done to prevent disputes from escalating into shootings.

Summary of Key Points

A teenage boy was shot on the 2700 block of MLK Avenue SE around 5 p.m.
About 90 minutes later, two men were shot on the 2900 block of MLK Avenue SE.
All three victims were hospitalized and last reported conscious and breathing.
Police have not announced any suspects, and the connection between the shootings remains under investigation.