Update: Shooting Homicide at the Potomac Avenue Metro Station “Metro is mourning the loss of a heroic employee, Robert Cunningham, who intervened on behalf of a customer today at Potomac Avenue Station and was a victim of senseless gun violence.”

Stock photo of Potomac Ave Metro photo by Jim Havard

Update from WMATA:

“Metro is mourning the loss of a heroic employee, Robert Cunningham, who intervened on behalf of a customer today at Potomac Avenue Station and was a victim of senseless gun violence. Mr. Cunningham was 64 years old and a mechanic in our power department. In his remembrance, Metro has lowered its flags to half-staff during this time of grief. Below are statements issued by the Metro Board of Directors and General Manager/ Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. 

Board Statement from Chair Paul C. Smedberg: 
On behalf of the Metro Board, words cannot express how saddened we are to learn about the death of Mr. Cunningham. We understand that the employee acted with extreme bravery to help a customer who was being threatened by the shooter.  To the family of the Metro employee, please accept our sincerest condolences. The Board is working with management to support the Metro family. 

Statement from General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke: 
Today, I feel profound sadness about the loss of our Metro family member, Robert Cunningham. We grieve for our employee, his family, and all who have been affected by this senseless tragedy. I appreciate the outpouring of support Metro has received today. Gun violence must stop. Unfortunately, Metro is not immune to the violence that our country is experiencing right now. These senseless acts must be addressed together by our leaders and community. We will take time to process this loss and take care of our employees. We are all hurting and will continue to lean on each other for support.”

From MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch announce an arrest in a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, inside of the Potomac Avenue Metro Station.

At approximately 9:19 am, MPD First District officers responded to 1400 block of Potomac Avenue, Southeast, for the report of the sounds of gunshots directly outside of the Potomac Avenue Metro Station. Upon arrival, officers located evidence of a gunfire on the sidewalk. Officers then entered the Metro Station and located two adult male shooting victims.

The detectives’ investigation revealed that the suspect was on a Metrobus, at the listed location, when he brandished a handgun and engaged in an altercation with an adult male victim. After the suspect and victim exited the bus, the suspect discharged the handgun striking the victim. This victim left the scene and notified police of the event. This victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. 

After shooting the victim mentioned above, the suspect then entered the Potomac Avenue Metro Station and fired the handgun, striking the second victim. The suspect then pointed the handgun at a female and a verbal exchange ensued. At this time, the decedent, who was a WMATA employee, attempted to intervene. The suspect fired the handgun striking the decedent. The suspect then entered an occupied Metro rail car. After a brief period of time, passengers were able to disarm the suspect. The suspect was detained by responding officers.

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and after finding no signs consistent with life, the decedent remained on the scene until transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The second victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. 

Additionally, there were initial reports of a fourth victim with a minor gunshot wound to the hand. During the investigation, it was determined the victim sustained a laceration and the injury was not as a result of gunfire.

The decedent has been identified as 64-year-old Robert Cunningham, of Silver Spring, MD. 

On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, 31-year-old Isaiah Trotman, of Southeast, DC, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder while Armed, Kidnapping while Armed and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

Anyone who may have been in the Potomac Avenue Metro Station and witnessed any portion of the offense is encouraged to contact police at 202-727-9099 or text 50411.”

From WMATA: “Train service is now suspended between between Federal Center SW & Minnesota Ave/Benning Rd for police activity. Shuttle buses have been requested; consider Metrobus 30-Line service also.”

MPD reports (H/T Dave Statter):

“MPD and @MetroTransitPD are responding to the Potomac Avenue Metro Station for the report of a shooting. MPD officers are on scene. PIO is en route. Have info? Call 202-727-9099/ text 50411.”

From Alert DC:

“MPD reports the following road closures due to police activity in the 1400 block of Potomac Avenue SE:

700 Block of 15th Street SE
Westbound lanes in the 1400-1500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE

Please avoid the area.”

Updates when more is known/released.