A U.S. Park Police officer was shot and seriously injured Monday evening in Southeast Washington, D.C., in what authorities are describing as a targeted ambush, officials said at a news conference.
The officer was driving an unmarked vehicle—a white Tesla—when he was struck in the upper body shortly after 7:30 p.m. in the 5100 block of Drake Place SE, in the Marshall Heights neighborhood. Despite his injuries, the officer continued to drive several blocks before being transported by helicopter to a local hospital, where he remains in serious condition. Police have since said the officer is expected to survive.
At least two gunmen are believed to have opened fire on the officer, U.S. Park Police Chief Scott Brecht told reporters. The officer was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the shooting, and no arrests have yet been made in connection with the incident.
Officials said the area where the shooting occurred has experienced persistent challenges with gun violence in the past. Police are actively investigating what led up to the attack and are working to determine whether the suspects knew they were targeting a law enforcement officer.
D.C. leaders and federal officials have expressed support for the injured officer and law enforcement. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that she is in communication with Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and Interim Police Chief Jeffrey W. Carroll regarding the shooting, asking the public to pray for the officer’s recovery.
Mayor Bowser also tweeted that the officer’s injuries are not considered life‑threatening, and she extended gratitude to all law enforcement officers and first responders for their swift actions.
Chief Carroll noted that there is an indication the shooters may have known they were targeting a police officer, but investigators have not yet confirmed whether the suspects were connected to any ongoing investigation. Authorities continue to pursue leads as the probe unfolds.
