WASHINGTON, D.C. — What began as a joyful evening filled with music, laughter, and school spirit descended into chaos late Friday when gunfire erupted just steps away from Howard University’s campus during its annual homecoming celebration.
The shooting occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Georgia Avenue NW — one of the city’s busiest corridors and a central gathering spot for students and alumni celebrating the university’s most anticipated event of the year.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, at least four people were shot after an argument escalated near an off-campus party. In an instant, what had been a street alive with cheering students and vendors selling Howard gear was transformed into a scene of panic and confusion.
Emergency responders rushed the victims to nearby hospitals. Authorities reported that one person remains in critical condition, another is in serious but stable condition, while two others are expected to recover.
Witnesses described the moment as “surreal” — a celebration shattered without warning.
“We were just dancing,” said Brianna Lewis, a sophomore who had been standing near the entrance of a local bar. “Then I heard these sharp pops — six or seven — and everyone started screaming. People scattered everywhere. It was complete chaos.”
Within minutes, dozens of police officers arrived, cordoning off the area and guiding terrified students to safety. The 2300 block of Georgia Avenue and several adjacent streets were quickly closed as detectives combed through the scene for shell casings and reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Police have not yet identified a motive but believe the violence may have stemmed from a dispute unrelated to the university, possibly connected to an unofficial gathering held near campus.
“We’re still piecing together the details,” said Acting Police Chief Pamela Smith. “At this time, there’s no indication that Howard University students were specifically targeted.”
No suspects have been named, and investigators are urging witnesses or anyone with video evidence to come forward. Detectives are reviewing multiple social media clips that may provide crucial insight into the moments leading up to the shooting.
As flashing red and blue lights illuminated Georgia Avenue late into the night, students gathered in small groups, some crying, others clutching their phones in disbelief. The night that was meant to celebrate pride and unity had become another painful reminder of D.C.’s ongoing struggle with gun violence.
Howard University released a brief statement early Saturday morning, confirming that no official campus events had been directly impacted but expressing deep concern for the victims.
“We are heartbroken that violence has once again touched our community,” the statement read. “Homecoming is a time of pride and unity for the Bison family. We are working closely with law enforcement and will be enhancing safety measures for all remaining events.”
Later that morning, University President Ben Vinson III sent an email to students, reassuring them that additional security and police patrols would be in place for the remainder of the weekend.
“We will not let fear overshadow our spirit,” he wrote. “But we must remain vigilant. Our community’s safety is our top priority.”
Georgia Avenue, a key artery through the heart of the city, remained shut down past midnight as crime scene investigators collected evidence. Traffic was diverted, and several nearby businesses were forced to close temporarily.
Local residents said they were startled but not entirely surprised by the gunfire.
“It’s getting worse every year,” said Marcus Green, who lives in an apartment overlooking the street. “Homecoming used to be just fun and music, but lately too many outsiders show up looking for trouble.”
The shooting reignited debates online about safety near college campuses and the rise in urban gun violence. Across social media, students and alumni voiced frustration and grief.
“We can’t even celebrate our culture without fearing bullets,” one graduate wrote. “Homecoming should be our safe space — not another tragedy.”
Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the violence in a Saturday morning statement, vowing to increase police patrols across the city.
“This kind of senseless gunfire has no place in our neighborhoods — not near our schools, not anywhere,” she said. “We stand with the Howard community and everyone affected.”
As investigations continue, university officials are reassessing how future homecoming events will be organized. Sources say upcoming concerts and outdoor gatherings will likely include stricter entry protocols, metal detectors, and closer coordination with D.C. police.
Meanwhile, student leaders and community activists are planning a candlelight vigil to honor the victims and promote unity.
“We can’t let violence define who we are,” said student body president Alexis James. “We’ll come together — not just to mourn, but to demand change.”
By Saturday afternoon, calm had returned to the campus. Students walked past the familiar red-brick buildings, carrying signs that read “Bison Strong.” Gospel music played softly from the Yard, where volunteers quietly cleaned up the remnants of the canceled festivities.
Still, the unease lingered.
“Homecoming is supposed to remind us of who we are — proud, resilient, connected,” said Michael Harper, a junior sociology major. “But now, when I hear loud noises, I flinch. It’s like something inside me changed. And that’s not how it should be.”
As of Saturday evening, police said no arrests had been made, though detectives are reviewing hours of surveillance footage and focusing on several persons of interest. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or text anonymous tips to 50411.
As night fell once more over Howard University, the echoes of the previous night’s panic still lingered in the air. What should have been a weekend of joy, legacy, and togetherness had become a stark reminder of how fragile safety can be — even in the heart of a proud and historic community.