A U.S. Park Police officer was seriously wounded Monday evening in a shooting in Washington, D.C., law enforcement officials confirmed. The officer was shot in the shoulder during an ambush by two gunmen while traveling in an unmarked white Tesla during an ongoing investigation.
Background
The shooting occurred approximately 7:30 p.m. Monday when at least two U.S. Park Police officers were driving in an unmarked white Tesla during what authorities described as an ongoing investigation. Two gunmen ambushed the vehicle, striking the officer before the vehicle traveled up the road and pulled over.
D.C. Metropolitan Police Interim Chief Jeff Carroll told reporters the officer was specifically targeted in the attack, though the circumstances surrounding why the officers were being followed or what investigation they were conducting remained unclear.
Park Service Police Chief Scott Brecht said the officer who was hit managed to keep driving before pulling over, where first aid was rendered. The unidentified officer was airlifted by U.S. Park Police helicopter to an area hospital.
The Investigation
The assailants remained at large early Tuesday as federal and local law enforcement agencies launched a coordinated investigation into the ambush. According to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter, the officer was shot in the shoulder and remained in serious but stable condition.
Federal officials confirmed they were assisting in the investigation. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she had spoken with Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Carroll and was briefed on the shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau was actively supporting the investigation alongside law enforcement partners.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Park Police officer shot during ambush in Washington, D.C.
- Two gunmen opened fire on unmarked Tesla vehicle Monday evening
- Officer was specifically targeted, according to D.C. Metropolitan Police Interim Chief Jeff Carroll
- Officer shot in shoulder, remains in serious but stable condition
- Assailants still at large as federal and local agencies investigate
- FBI and Department of Justice assisting in investigation
What's Next
Law enforcement authorities continue to search for the two gunmen responsible for the ambush. Investigators are reviewing available evidence and witness statements as they work to identify and locate the suspects. No further details regarding the ongoing investigation or the nature of the original investigation being conducted by the officers have been released.