A tragic incident unfolded in a Washington, D.C. apartment Monday evening, leaving a 5-year-old girl critically injured. According to Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith, the young girl suffered a gunshot wound to her upper body after being accidentally shot by her younger sibling, believed to be around 3 years old. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. inside an apartment on Galveston Street Southwest.
The child was immediately transported to a local hospital and remains in critical condition. Chief Smith, in a news conference, stressed the gravity of the situation, calling it "an unfortunate incident." The shooting underscores the critical importance of securing firearms, especially in households with children. The young boy reportedly gained access to an unsecured firearm within the apartment.
A man identified as a long-time family friend, who was entrusted with the children's care while their mother was running errands, has been arrested and charged with cruelty to children. The mother was not present at the time of the shooting. The apartment is reportedly the mother's residence. Police also arrested a woman at the scene for assaulting a special police officer stationed at the apartment complex. This woman is reportedly the sister of the injured girl. The details of this altercation remain undisclosed. The ownership of the firearm and whether it was legally obtained are currently under investigation.
Chief Smith reiterated the vital importance of responsible gun ownership, urging the public to secure firearms and keep them out of reach of children. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
