A manhunt continues for the gunmen who “ambushed” a pair of U.S. Park Police officers on Monday night, sending one to the hospital with a gunshot wound.
The officers were traveling in an unmarked Tesla in southeast Washington, D.C., when someone opened fire into their vehicle, law enforcement said during a press briefing. The officers were conducting an ongoing investigation in the area, and officials believe the shooting was targeted.
The injured officer was airlifted to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and released early Tuesday morning.
“We can confirm that our officer who was shot last night was released from the hospital earlier this morning,” Park Police said. “Thank you for the thoughts and prayers!”
Park Police Chief Scott Brecht said that the officers “were ambushed by at least two gunmen” at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. The officer driving the vehicle was struck but managed to drive up the road, where he pulled over and was administered first aid.
“We are seeking two suspects, two black males, one was wearing a white hoodie with blue jeans, the other was wearing all black, with [a] white stripe down the sleeve and down the pant leg,” Brecht said.
Brecht did not specify what kind of law enforcement operation the officers were conducting.
“This is an example of unnecessary gun violence in our city. There’s no reason that anybody, a police officer, not a police officer, should be shot just for being out here driving through the neighborhood,” said interim D.C. Police Chief Jeffery Carroll.
Attorney General Pam Bondi was briefed on the shooting, and the FBI is assisting in the search for the suspects.
“Praying for the Park Police officer shot in Washington, D.C. The FBI is actively supporting the investigation alongside our law enforcement partners and will bring those responsible to justice,” FBI Director Kash Patel said Monday. “We will provide updates as we are able – please keep the officer and their family in your prayers.”
Park Police comes under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service and has field offices in D.C., San Francisco, and New York City.
