A reader asks us at 10:14am: “what’s happening at the Thomas Circle encampment? Cops everywhere, fire truck, etc”
From MPD: “MPD is currently investigating a shooting incident at Massachusetts Avenue & Thomas Circle NW. Traffic will be affected.”
“Alert: Shooting investigation at 0950 hours in the Massachusetts Ave and Thomas Circle NW. Lookout for a b/m, 30’s, wearing a white and gray hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, white sneakers.”
5.23.22 Chief Andre Wright provides an update on a homicide in the 1300 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Have info? Call 202-727-9099 or text at 50411. pic.twitter.com/NUHU7IhHkT
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) May 23, 2022
From an email:
“The Downtown Cluster of Congregations condemns Violence as Homeless Man shot dead in tent at Thomas Circle, NW
“I first worked with the homeless as both a volunteer and a coordinator at homeless women shelters operated at Luther Place Memorial Church, which along with National City Christian Church, looms over the
site of this tragic homicide, says Terry Lynch, Executive Director of the Downtown Cluster of Congregations.
“”We as a society must comes to grips with and overcome the rise in hate that is at the root of these heinous crimes – be it the shootings in Buffalo, and this death of a homeless man here on the streets of DC,” he says. Just this March the homeless were targeted victims of deadly violence here in DC and NYC. “We cannot give up or let up in our efforts to overcome hate. Godspeed to this latest victim of hate”, he says.”
From MPD:
“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred on Monday, May 23, 2022, at Thomas Circle and Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest.
At approximately 9:47 am, MPD officers heard the sound of a gunshot. Members conducted a search and were directed by witnesses to the listed location. Upon arrival, members located an adult male victim, inside of a tent, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found that the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The victim remained on scene until transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The decedent has been identified as 32 year-old Emmanuel Lys, of no fixed address.
The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by sending a text message to 50411.”