In an unfortunate incident that marred the Independence Day festivities in the nation’s capital, a total of nine individuals were shot and wounded in the early hours of Wednesday, as confirmed by the police.

Upon receiving the report of a mass shooting in a neighborhood located approximately 20 minutes east of the White House, officers promptly arrived at the scene around 1 a.m.

Assistant Chief Leslie Parsons of the Metropolitan Police Department revealed that among the victims were a 9-year-old and a 17-year-old, the Associated Press reported.

The identities of the victims were not disclosed publicly, but the police stated that they were hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening.

According to Parsons, the gunshots originated from a dark SUV that was observed driving through the Deanwood neighborhood.

The shooting appeared to be targeted, although it remained unclear whether there was more than one shooter inside the vehicle.

As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The police have appealed to the public for any information that could assist them in their ongoing investigation.

Written by staff