A shooting in central Washington, DC, has left one person dead and four others injured, after a gunman opened fire inside a gym in an apartment building near Logan Circle. The suspect later died following a standoff with police, according to BBC News.
The violence began on Thursday morning at a fitness centre in an apartment complex roughly a mile north of the White House. Witnesses described a sudden burst of gunfire, a fire alarm and people running for cover as smoke filled parts of the building.
Police said the male suspect barricaded himself inside an apartment after the shooting. During the standoff, he reportedly fired through the door at officers on at least two occasions. Negotiators spoke with him by phone, but communication ended after a gunshot was heard.
When officers entered the apartment, they found the suspect with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was later confirmed dead. Police also believe a fire had been started inside the building, although it was contained.
Of the four people injured, one remains in a critical condition. The other three are said to have injuries that are not life-threatening. Authorities are still trying to establish the exact sequence of events and the motive behind the attack.
Interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jefferey Carroll said investigators believe there may have been some kind of conflict connected to the apartment building, but he said there was not yet enough information to explain what happened.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the violence as a “senseless act of gun violence” and confirmed that the White House had been briefed on the incident.
For residents and gym-goers, the morning brought fear rather than routine. Jonathan Csapo, a BBC producer who lives in the building, said a fire alarm sounded before he heard gunshots close by. He described seeing smoke and flashes, then running outside with others before being guided back into a safe room.
Another witness, Michael Carney, said he was on a treadmill when he heard what sounded like a single pop. He initially believed an exercise ball had burst, until he saw an injured person on the floor. He said people hid behind planters as the alarm was raised.
Outside, witnesses reported hearing several more shots near an alley. One woman said she thought something had crashed or fallen, and only later realised the sounds were gunfire.
The investigation is continuing as police work to understand what triggered the violence and whether anyone else was involved.
