A shooting erupted near Dunbar High School in Northwest D.C. on Friday morning, leading to two teenagers being apprehended by authorities. Zaharia Graves, 18, is being held without bond after a judge's ruling on Saturday. He, along with a 17-year-old boy, is facing multiple charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license. The incident, which unfolded at around 9:55 a.m., left a female student with a graze wound when a bullet flew through a classroom window.
In the chaos that ensued, a teacher and basketball coach were quick to act, rushing to apply pressure to the girl's injury until emergency services arrived. The teacher recounted seeing a group of teens prior to the gunfire and a witness reported a heated exchange signaling that violence was imminent, stating, "They are coming," as shared in court documents obtained by WJLA. The immediate area around the school was locked down as police swarmed the scene to ensure student safety and commence their investigation.
While the physical injuries of the student were deemed non-life-threatening, the event has undeniably shaken the community. According to a statement from Asst. Chief Leslie Parsons reported by NBC Washington, "She is totally fine and expected to make a full recovery." However, the impact of such an incident extends beyond the physical, touching the psyche of those involved and the broader community affected by the trauma of gun violence within a school setting.
Surveillance footage revealed approximately 15 boys involved in the altercation that day, with two visibly armed and identified as the shooters. A man, whose car was also caught in the crossfire, expressed his frustration and anger at the disruption of peace in the Truxton Circle neighborhood to NBC Washington.
Following the incident, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has pulled away from a community event to address the situation, highlighting the persistent specter of violence that can so abruptly interrupt the daily lives and gatherings of citizens. The case is ongoing, and the hearings for the accused continue, with Zaharia Graves expected in court again on May 28, and the 17-year-old's hearing slated for May 6, as reported by DC News Now.
