D.C. Police Department has dismissed reports of a shooting at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, confirming there is no active shooter on the premises.

The Washington D.C. Police Department has confirmed that reports of a shooting at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park on Saturday evening were false.

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“There is NO active shooter or threat at the National Zoo. Officers are investigating a report of a fight between two adults,” police said in a post on X. 

What happened?

Earlier in the evening, several witnesses took to social media claiming there was an active shooter on zoo grounds. Some reported hearing gunshots and seeing people running in panic.

“Currently at the Smithsonian National Zoo in DC where there is an active shooter on the premises. Police are here, the shooter is still believed to be active. Currently herded into the visitor center,” one witness wrote on X.

Another added, “We just passed by the zoo there were 11 police cars there !!!!”

A third person reported, “What’s up with the shooting noise??? Make the city safe again.”

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Another person wrote, “Oh no an active shooter at the National Zoo. Info from an associate at the zoo right now in hiding with her daughter. This is terrible.”

Despite these reports, police have confirmed that no gunshots were fired and there is no active threat to the public. 

Also Read: Mariucci Arena shooting leaves 2 injured after Wayzata High School graduation

Two people shot in Southeast DC

On Friday night, police responded to reports of gunshots fired in Southeast Washington, D.C. Officers arrived at the 1200 block of I Street around 10:40 p.m. and found two men with gunshot wounds.

Both victims were conscious and breathing when first responders arrived and were quickly transported to local hospitals for treatment.

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No arrests have been made so far, and police have not released any information about possible suspects.

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SNOHOMISH — Washington State University is hosting a citizen science “Molt Search” program on June 2 in an effort to combat growing concerns about the European green crab.

Introduced to North America in the 1800s, the European green crab is considered one of the most invasive marine species by agencies across the country. Because it has few natural predators, it outcompetes native species and can destroy precious habitat, such as the eelgrass beds juvenile salmon and other young fish use as nurseries.

Washington agencies and tribes noticed an uptick in green crabs in 2018, with an even greater increase of sightings in 2021. In 2023, the Washington State Legislature appropriated over $6 million for green crab management.

As part of these management efforts, WSU Beach Watchers and Washington Sea Grant is promoting its Molt Search program. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gary Weikel Room at Willis Tucker Park, community members can learn how to conduct a timed survey for crab molt — outgrown and discarded shells — and report their findings through a mobile app.

“Since we are in the early stages of the spread of European Green Crab in inland Washington waters, early detection of these crabs is paramount,” Beach Watchers Program Coordinator Jonathan Robinson said. “That is why getting as many eyes out on the beach looking for European Green Crab molts is so important.”

On June 20, Washington Sea Grant is hosting its second annual Molt Blitz, where you can join citizen scientists across the state by reporting findings in your local area.

For more information on both events and European green crab management, you can visit https://wsg.washington.edu/crabteam/moltsearch/.

Eliza Aronson: 425-339-3434; eliza.aronson@heraldnet.com; X: @ElizaAronson.

Eliza’s stories are supported by the Herald’s Environmental and Climate Reporting Fund.