Nightclub dispute turns violent as six shot in Washington DC, one suspect arrested

Chaos erupted at a nightclub following a dispute as six individuals were shot, media reports said citing authorities. Assistant Chief Ramey Kyle of the Metropolitan Police Department revealed that the incident stemmed from a dispute inside the club, which subsequently escalated onto the streets. 

The incident took place on Friday (Apr 27) around 11 pm in the vicinity of Decades nightclub on Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle neighbourhood. Fortunately, none of the victims sustained life-threatening injuries, confirmed the police.

Prompt action by law enforcement led to the arrest of a suspect near the scene. A firearm was also seized during the arrest, though further details regarding the suspect and the exact nature of the altercation remain undisclosed at this time.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the troubling incident unfolded outside a Dupont Circle nightclub when a man, recently thrown out from the nightclub premises, brandished a firearm and opened fire.

This resulted in injuries to five individuals and a security guard. Apparently, the dispute arose on the street following the man’s expulsion from the club.

Emergency responders treated one person at the scene, while bullets shattered at least one window along the nightlife hub. It remains uncertain whether the victims were inside or outside the venue when they were shot.

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Currently employing 3,323 officers, Chief of Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia Pamela Smith has expressed a desire to reach an ideal staffing level of 4,000 officers. To bolster recruitment, a new in-person recruiting team has been deployed in Washington DC and nationwide.

This event added to the concerning trend of rising violent crime in the District of Columbia. Statistics indicate a significant 39 percent surge in violent incidents in 2023, with homicides alone escalating by 35 percent and carjackings nearly doubling.

(With inputs from agencies)