“We have a truly incredible update on the April 7 shooting at 3rd and K Street NE.”

“Dear PoPville,

We have a truly incredible update on the April 7 shooting at 3rd and K Street NE. Mr. Henry (52) was shot 9 nine times, all below the waist, but he’s home now and recovering after four surgeries.

When we heard the gunshots, my partner and I (K Street residents) went to help. A group of neighbors, including a doctor and a nurse, cared for Henry until the ambulance arrived. A few days later, Henry called us from the hospital to say “thank you,” and we’ve since developed a close friendship.

Henry is a wonderful man with a large, loving family, and he’s making a miraculous recovery. He just called to say that he made it up and down 3 flights of stairs today, with the help of his physical therapist. It has only been three weeks, and he’s already climbing stairs! We’re confident that Henry will have a full recovery, and will soon resume his role as a very active caregiver for his many grandkids, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

As for the “why did this happen?,”

Henry’s niece lives in the neighborhood, and Henry was shot trying to protect her from a domestic violence situation. The shooter was arrested the next day.

In Henry’s words, “gun violence is unacceptable.” Full stop. We are just grateful that Henry had the strength and determination to survive, and to move forward so steadily in his recovery. It has helped us immensely to know that Henry is going to be OK. So we thought we’d share this story (with his blessing), in case it helps someone else.”