Three Washington D.C. police officers with the Metropolitan Police Department were shot and wounded on Wednesday morning while they were taking part in an early morning raid on a residence. The officers were part of a team of officers that were executing a search warrant at the residence relating to animal abuse and neglect charges. 

🚨#BREAKING: Three MPD Officers Injured in Washington, D.C. Shooting

Three officers from the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., were injured in a shooting on Wednesday

The officers suffered gunshot wounds and have been taken from the area

Authorities have… pic.twitter.com/32LAF9exxt

— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) February 14, 2024

All three officers received 'non-life threatening' wounds and have been "removed from the area." Police Chief Pamela Smith stated that officers arrived in the 5000 block of Hanna Place at approximately 7:30 am this morning and attempted to make contact with the suspect. The suspect refused to come out of the residence and as the officers approached, the suspect opened fire on the officers from inside, striking three officers with gunfire. Another officer was also injured with non-gunfire-related injuries.

Smith said that the suspect then further barricaded himself inside the home, continued to randomly fire on the officers surrounding the residence, and remained inside. 

"We are asking everyone to please stay out of this location until we're able to apprehend the suspect," Smith said. At this time we do not know if there any other individuals inside the house. We are in constant communication with the individual. 

Three nearby elementary schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution, as witnesses to the shooting describe hearing multiple shots fired. One homeowner who lives directly across the street from the house in question stated that he heard the gunfire and as he went outside to see what was happening, he saw the officers get shot. 

"Once I came out, I saw all the police coming, they were running up Hanna Place. And all the sudden... a couple of cops got shot," the man said. 

Washington D.C. has seen a rash of shootings in the city amongst other increases in crime, which are raising concerns from the residents that the city is becoming less safe. Even though the residents feel less safe in the city, its elected leadership has historically downplayed or even denied the status of an increase in crime. The Chair of the D.C. Council, Phil Mendelson testified to that effect almost one year ago in front of Congress. 

During the hearing, however, Mendelson proclaimed that though it was important to take people’s feelings into consideration when it comes to crime, that there was no crime crisis in D.C.:

“With regard to crime, yes, there is considerable concern. But while perception is important, the reality is less concerning. Let me be clear: People should feel safe and it is a problem that many residents of the district don’t,” D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson told the House Committee on Oversight.

“I know this belies the common belief — and when it comes to crime, how people feel is important — but there is not a crime crisis in Washington, D.C.” Mendelson said.

The Council's reluctance to admit reality is costing people their livelihood and even lives. After the incident this morning that saw three officers shot and wounded, along with a fourth being injured, it is even more clear that there is most definitely a problem in the District of Columbia.