WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — DC Police released surveillance video of a gunfight outside Kenny’s Carryout at 5th and Kennedy Streets in Northwest.
Several suspects could be seen firing their weapons indiscriminately at 3:45 p.m. on February 7.
In addition to multiple surveillance cameras in the area, police are on patrol around the clock following that shooting and several other violent incidents at 5th and Kennedy so far this year.
“We have to do better,” said Ward 4 resident, Fredricia Williams. She told WUSA 9’s Lorenzo Hall she was in the area during that afternoon shooting on February 7. “It was so close. I was worried about my son,” she said.
Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd, At-Large Councilmember Robert White, MPD Chief Peter Newsham, Fourth District Commander Randy Griffin and other city leaders met with people in the community last week to allay fears.
Police and council members also did a neighborhood walk-through to connect with those concerned.
In a letter addressed to Ward 4 residents, Councilmember Todd said, “While Kennedy Street, NW has made significant strides in public safety over the past 5-10 years, including a 73% reduction in violent crime in PSA 403 when compared to the same period last year, we undoubtedly have considerable work left to do to stem the tide of violent crime and protect our residents and businesses.”
Todd indicated MPD deployed its drug and gun units to conduct plain clothes investigations in the area. He also recommended “enforcement sweeps by a number of regulatory agencies,” to address concerns about the conduct of some businesses along the Kennedy Street corridor.
Police are still searching for five suspects involved in that February 7th shootout.
Just a few blocks away at 1st and Kennedy Streets, an innocent bystander was shot in the head while walking to brunch on New Year’s Day. He’s still in the hospital.