A tragic incident unfolded in Washington, D.C. as a 5-year-old girl is currently fighting for her life at a local hospital after being shot by her younger sibling. The Metropolitan Police Department responded to a shooting incident at approximately 6:30 p.m. inside an apartment on Galveston Street Southwest.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the young girl with a gunshot wound to her upper body. She was swiftly transported to the hospital in serious condition and is currently in critical condition, as confirmed by Chief Pamela Smith during a news conference.
Chief Smith highlighted the unfortunate nature of the incident, revealing that the girl was shot by her 3-year-old brother who gained access to an unsecured firearm within the apartment. This tragic event underscores the dangers of keeping unsecured firearms in homes, particularly in the presence of children.
The police arrested a man described as a longtime family friend inside the apartment, charging him with cruelty to children. The children were under his care while their mother was out running errands. The ownership of the firearm and whether it was a ghost gun remains under investigation.
Additionally, a woman was arrested at the scene for assaulting a special police officer at the apartment complex. It was disclosed that she is the sister of the injured girl. Chief Smith stressed the critical importance of gun safety, emphasizing the need to securely store firearms away from children.
As the investigation progresses, authorities urge the community to keep the young victim in their thoughts and prayers. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity of responsible firearm ownership and the prevention of such tragic accidents.
