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Published on November 09, 2024
Metropolitan Police Seize 54 Illegal Firearms, Make Multiple Arrests in Washington D.C. CrackdownSource: Metropolitan Police Department

In an ongoing effort to directly address gun violence and criminal activity in Washington D.C., the Metropolitan Police Department has reported the recovery of a significant cache of firearms. Between October 28 and November 4, 2024, MPD detectives and officers were able to recover 54 firearms from varying locations throughout the District systematically. This figure represents a glimpse into the sheer volume of illegal weaponry that surfaces on the streets of the nation's capital.

The department's focused approach has led to multiple arrests during this time frame. In a notable case detailed by the MPD's release, Danell Hudson, a 20-year-old resident of Northeast D.C., was arrested and charged with numerous firearms-related offenses. This includes what is becoming a growing concern for the law enforcement community—the rise of so-called "Ghost Guns," unserialized and often homemade firearms that are difficult to trace and regulate.

Another case saw the apprehension of 38-year-old Veronica Carter and 35-year-old Jermaine Knight, both of Southeast D.C., who were arrested and charged with carrying a pistol without a license, among other charges. Efforts from the MPD's specialized units have emphasized intelligence-based policing to interdict and prevent armed violent offenders from causing harm within the community.

Each recovered firearm represents a potential tragedy averted. The recoveries ranged from handguns to shotguns and even included less lethal weapons like BB guns. The department earnestly seeks to not just respond to crime but to preempt it, to stem the flow of illegal guns before they can be used to forever alter lives and landscapes. These efforts aren't done in isolation but are part of a collaborative agreement with community members, who are actively encouraged to report illegal firearms through anonymous tip lines.

Community participation in this cause is incentivized with rewards of up to $2,500 for information that leads to the arrest of an individual and seizure of an illegal firearm. The MPD underscores the importance of this partnership, recognizing that safety and security are products of collective vigilance and action. Those with information on illegal firearms are urged to call police at 202-727-9099 or submit tips via text messaging at 50411. Through these channels, individuals can contribute to the safety of their neighborhoods while remaining anonymous if they choose.