Catholic University of America Fatal Shooting – On Thursday afternoon, reports of an assault and gunfire near the Brookland‑CUA Metro station in Northeast Washington, D.C., triggered a swift and widespread response from law enforcement and school officials, resulting in a campus‑wide alert and shelter‑in‑place order at The Catholic University of America (CUA). The incident resulted in at least one fatality, heightened fear within the campus community, and the cancellation of evening classes and activities as police searched the surrounding area for a suspect.
According to official statements, the initial reports of an assault and shooting came in shortly before 4 p.m. near the Brookland‑CUA Metro station, located just steps from the university’s main campus. Multiple witnesses reported hearing gunfire and seeing individuals running for cover. In response to the threat, CUA officials issued an emergency alert advising students, faculty, and staff to shelter in place immediately while police investigated the situation.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and Metro Transit Police Department responded to the scene, securing the area and conducting a thorough search of the metro station and surrounding neighborhood. Initial police reports indicate that a male teenager was shot during the incident and later succumbed to his injuries. Life‑saving efforts were attempted by responding officers and emergency services, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that the suspected shooter fled the area before police arrival and remains at large, prompting an active search with public assistance requested.
In response to the shooting and the possibility of an “active threat,” CUA canceled all evening classes, athletic practices, and on‑campus events, and strongly encouraged community members to stay inside safe locations until further notice. The shelter‑in‑place order remained in effect for several hours as officers canvassed the area and worked to determine whether the danger had passed.
University President Peter Kilpatrick addressed the CUA community in an open letter, expressing deep concern about the traumatic event and offering condolences to the victim’s family and friends. He acknowledged the unnerving nature of such violence occurring adjacent to campus and emphasized the need for community support and vigilance in the aftermath. Kilpatrick also outlined steps the university’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) and local law enforcement agencies would take to enhance security and prevent future incidents, including increased patrols around the metro station and on campus.
Counseling services and campus support offices were made available to students and staff affected by the shooting, and special Mass services were scheduled to honor the deceased. Officials urged the university community to look out for one another and make use of available mental health resources as they cope with the impact of the event.
The investigation remains active, with authorities seeking tips from the public to help identify and locate the suspect. This tragic shooting has reignited concerns about safety near the Brookland‑CUA Metro station and on college campuses nationwide, highlighting the ongoing challenges of preventing gun violence in public spaces.
