A disgruntled tenant shot dead his building manager and wounded four other people in an upscale neighbourhood of Washington, DC, on Thursday before taking his own life, police have said.
The shooting occurred at a condominium complex in Logan Circle, about a mile north of the White House, triggering a major security response that saw dozens of law enforcement vehicles deployed to the scene, while police helicopters hovered overhead.
Washington’s interim police chief, Jeffery Carroll, identified the gunman as Matt Lambert, 55, an emergency medicine physician who was reportedly involved in a prolonged dispute with the condominium association over building maintenance.
According to Carroll, Lambert fatally shot the building manager, James Stuart, 46, inside a crowded gym attached to the residential complex.
He subsequently barricaded himself inside his seventh-floor apartment before opening fire from his balcony at people below, injuring four individuals.
One of the injured victims was in critical condition, while the remaining three sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
The Washington Post reported that construction workers at a nearby building site were among those wounded, citing a company executive.
Carroll said Lambert also fired at police officers at least twice through his apartment door before setting his unit on fire and shooting himself. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Maintenance Dispute Before Shooting
Police said Lambert had taken legal action against the condominium homeowners association over what he considered inadequate maintenance of the building.
An X account reportedly linked to him, with the handle @OfMiceandMold, contained repeated complaints about mould and water damage.
Its final post, described as a manifesto, reportedly contained an engineering report detailing problems with his apartment.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the incident, describing it as a “senseless act of gun violence.”
The shooting took place during the morning rush hour, disrupting traffic as police cordoned off surrounding streets and evacuated residents.
Dramatic emergency dispatch audio captured the initial report of gunfire inside the gym shortly before 8 am local time. Within minutes, an officer could be heard informing the dispatcher that there was an active shooter and requesting the deployment of a SWAT team.
A gym member, Michael Carney, told The Washington Sun that he was using a treadmill when he heard a gunshot and saw a person lying on the gym floor with a head injury.
“Everyone was kind of just hiding behind planters and stuff,” he said.
Residents Asked To Stay Away
The Washington Post reported that local authorities had declared the building uninhabitable because of damage caused by the fire and advised residents to stay away.
Later on Thursday, church groups and community members gathered near the scene for vigils and prayers in honour of those affected.
Logan Circle is among Washington’s most expensive neighbourhoods and is known for its restaurants and nightlife. The area is also located close to several foreign embassies.
