Five Shot in Washington DC Shooting, Including One Killed at Gym, as Suspect Dies by Suicide

Five people have been shot, including one who was killed inside a gym, in a shooting spree in Washington, DC, after which the suspected gunman barricaded himself inside an apartment and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The incident occurred on Thursday morning, November 12, in the Logan Circle neighbourhood, approximately one mile north of the White House.

Police identified the suspect as Matt Lambert, a 55-year-old doctor who lived in an apartment above the VIDA Fitness gym where the shooting began.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the suspect entered the gym and fatally shot James Stuart, 46, who managed the building. Investigators believe Stuart was specifically targeted because of an ongoing dispute between Lambert and the building’s management.

After the shooting, Lambert reportedly returned to his apartment on the seventh floor and opened fire from his balcony, hitting four other people in the surrounding area.

The four injured victims, comprising two men and two women, were taken to nearby hospitals. One remained in critical condition, while the other three sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Interim Washington DC Police Chief Jeffery Carroll said officers received the initial emergency call shortly before 8 a.m. and arrived at the scene within approximately 30 seconds.

The situation subsequently developed into a barricade incident after Lambert retreated into his apartment. Police said he exchanged gunfire with officers through the apartment door on at least two occasions while negotiators attempted to persuade him to surrender.

After approximately an hour of negotiations, officers heard a gunshot inside the apartment. They subsequently forced entry and found Lambert suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities also disclosed that the suspect had cut a natural gas line inside the apartment and started a fire. The building’s sprinkler system helped contain the flames before they could spread further.

Police recovered three firearms, including a shotgun, rifle and handgun, from the scene.

Investigators believe the shooting was connected to a prolonged disagreement between Lambert and the building’s homeowners association over alleged mould, moisture and water damage in his apartment.

Court records reportedly show that Lambert had filed a lawsuit against the building’s management, claiming that water intrusion and mould problems had made his penthouse uninhabitable. The legal dispute remained unresolved at the time of the shooting.

However, authorities said investigations were still ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and the suspect’s motive.

The violence triggered a massive police response, with heavily armed officers, SWAT teams and federal law enforcement personnel deployed to the neighbourhood. Nearby streets were cordoned off, residents were instructed to remain indoors, and schools in the area were placed on lockdown.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also assisted local authorities.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as gym members fled following the gunfire, while other residents sought shelter in nearby businesses.

The shooting has shocked the Logan Circle community and renewed concerns about gun violence in the US capital.

Authorities have not indicated that additional suspects were involved, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack continues.