Democracy Dies in Darkness

Looting reported in D.C. after release of police shooting video

The thefts and the destruction of property occurred in Georgetown, City Center and other parts of the city.

1 min

Incidents of looting and vandalism broke out in the District late Monday and early Tuesday, according to the D.C. police, in what appeared to be a possible response to the release of video of a recent fatal shooting by officers.

The thefts and the destruction of property occurred in Georgetown, City Center and other parts of the city, according to a statement issued by the police. Incidents occurred in at least three other neighborhoods, the statement indicated.

The police statement did not specify a reason for the disorderly incidents. However, they came hours after police released body-camera video of the incident this month in which officers fatally shot a violence interrupter.

The video indicated that the officers at the scene in Southeast Washington fired more than 10 shots at the man.

Footage posted overnight on social media shows protesters in the City Center area chanting, “Don’t shoot.”

Before that, a police spokeswoman said it appeared protesters were gathering around 10:30 p.m. at the Seventh District police station in Southeast.

Police said in their statement early Tuesday that they were investigating six burglaries and six destruction of property offenses in the areas affected by the outbreak.

D.C. police responded to theft and vandalism in D.C.'s City Center neighborhood on Sept. 9, after a video of a recent fatal police shooting was released. (Video: The Washington Post)

Five people were taken into custody on charges that included burglary and fleeing from law enforcement, police said.

Police increased their presence overnight in the affected areas and would continue to step up the allocation of resources throughout the city on Tuesday, they said.

The department “does not tolerate acts of violence or destruction of property,” the statement said.

Skip to end of carousel