Dear Friends,
MPD has now confirmed that Wednesday night’s shooting of a young man on Mozart Place NW, was criminal gang related. Probably it was in retaliation for a prior shooting. Two gangs were involved, both in this area. The victim was himself a person with a police record who had reportedly recently escapade from a youth facility .
Thanks for all the work of Mayor Fenty and Chief Lanier, and the rest of us, we have this arrest. And we have come quite a distance in the area of 17th and Euclid. We have moved from the days, when on any given night, 60 people might congregate at 17th and Euclid, some of whom were known to be armed and dangerous.
A police camera, police presence (which continues to this day) and community determination have swept away much of that gang presence.
But the fight continues on two dimensions.
First, addressing the root causes of gangs and gang violence by providing—to those who are willing--quality housing, education, health care and training leading to jobs. The Ritz itself , located at 1631 Euclid, is a good example of where—working under the leadership of Jubilee Housing-- we have not only preserved but also renovated (with strong DC gov support) low income apartments.
But for those who are not willing to move away from gangs and gang violence, yesterday’s arrest of this 17 year old shooter (who lived on the 1400 block of Girard will be tried as an adult) sends a powerful message that justice will be swift and effective.
Again, thanks to Mayor Fenty, MPD and the neighborhood!
Bests Councilmember Jim Graham