Several people were injured in a mass stabbing incident in Northeast Washington, D.C., prompting a heavy police response. The attack occurred near Montello Avenue and Simms Place NE. Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody.
Authorities said the violence unfolded just after 3:22 p.m. near the intersection of Montello Avenue and Meigs Place NE.
D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith held a press briefing Thursday evening to provide details about the disturbing chain of events. According to Smith, officers were on the scene in under a minute and quickly discovered multiple victims suffering from stab wounds.
“This was a senseless and chaotic assault,” Chief Smith said. “Officers arrived on the scene in less than 60 seconds and encountered a horrific scene with multiple victims in need of immediate medical attention.”
Based on the preliminary investigation, police believe the suspect began the rampage by inflicting stab wounds on himself while walking down the street. He then allegedly turned on a female acquaintance who was walking with him, stabbing her before attacking others who happened to be in the area.
As the violence escalated, two bystanders attempted to stop the man but were also stabbed in the process. “Two good Samaritans tried to intervene and were unfortunately also injured during the incident,” Smith confirmed. “Their courage is admirable, but we continue to caution the public against directly engaging with violent individuals, no matter how well-intentioned.”
Among the six victims hospitalized are four women and two men, including a grandmother and her two granddaughters, according to Smith. All of the victims are reported to be in stable condition, and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The ages and identities of those injured were not immediately disclosed.
Video footage from the scene captured first responders working rapidly to assist victims as chaos unfolded on the block. The suspect, whose name has not been released, was found lying on the ground near the scene of the assault. A knife believed to be the weapon used in the attack was recovered just a few feet from him.
The suspect sustained serious injuries from the self-inflicted stab wounds and was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in surgery, Smith said.
“This event underscores the urgent need to address untreated mental illness and substance abuse in our communities,” Chief Smith stated, suggesting that deeper issues may have contributed to the suspect’s erratic and violent behavior.
While the identities of the victims and suspect remain withheld, police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. No charges have yet been announced, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
As the neighborhood reels from the terrifying attack, Chief Smith reiterated her department’s commitment to restoring safety and providing support to the affected families. “This was an unprovoked, tragic act of violence that left innocent people injured,” she said. “We will ensure that justice is served.”