(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Today, the office of Ward 7 D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray released the following statement:

“As the representative for and a member of the Ward 7 community, I am angered by the drive-by shooting at a Fourth of July gathering that injured nine people, including a child and a teenager. Thankfully, there are no fatalities to report, and those who were shot have non-life-threatening injuries and are receiving care,” said Ward 7 D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray.

My office is in contact with MPD and the 6th District commander. We have requested as much additional police presence as possible and expressed the urgent need to bring the people responsible for this crime to justice,” said Gray.

“Police are searching for suspects who drove a dark-colored SUV. The shooting happened on the 4700 block of Meade Street Northeast at approximately 1:00 a.m.  If you have any information, please call 202-727-9099 or text 50411. You can remain anonymous,” said Gray.

“Sadly, the crime on Meade Street was not the only recent shooting in Ward 7 or across the District. The headlines today are difficult to read,” said Gray.

“Our city must deploy as many public safety and public health resources as possible. That includes police, violence interrupters, and coordinating our Federal and regional partners throughout the entire public safety ecosystem.  While we work to overcome MPD staffing shortages --including legislation I introduced earlier this year to assist in MPD recruitment and retention-- I echo every resident's concern about public safety and their frustration with recurring violence,” said Gray.

“We must also quickly take measures to ensure that people arrested for violent crimes, in particular gun crimes, are being properly monitored and, where applicable, detained until trial. On average, a person convicted for murder in the District has eleven prior arrests. Clearly, people who should not fall through the cracks are falling through the cracks,” said Gray.

“As we work hard to feel secure and create safe spaces in our communities, we must expand efforts to steer young people away from crime and protect them from it, too. This means more outreach, engagement, activities, mentorship, and investment in programs that are successful,” said Gray.

“I will continue to coordinate with MPD, District agencies, the mayor, my Council colleagues and the community to prevent crime, particularly gun crimes, and hold those who commit violent crimes to account,” said Gray.

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