Violence Erupts Near Dupont Circle Amid WorldPride Festivities: Stabbing and Shooting Shock Washington D.C. Community
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A festive and historic weekend in the nation’s capital descended into fear and chaos on Saturday evening, June 7, 2025, as two violent incidents — a stabbing and a shooting — unfolded in quick succession near Dupont Circle, a key location for WorldPride celebrations. The shocking violence disrupted a day meant to uplift and unite, leaving residents, visitors, and city officials reeling.
The incidents occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m., just hours after the heavily policed park at Dupont Circle had been reopened to the public following earlier closures prompted by heated debates over event safety. The area, traditionally a symbolic heart of Washington’s LGBTQ+ community, was bustling with paradegoers, performers, and families before reports of violence sent crowds scrambling.
First Incident: Stabbing in the Park
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the first emergency call came in at approximately 6:33 p.m., when a man was reportedly stabbed during an altercation at the northern end of Dupont Circle Park. Witnesses say the altercation appeared to be between two individuals and escalated rapidly. Officers and paramedics arrived swiftly on scene to find a male victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect in the stabbing, described by authorities as a male in his late 20s with medium build and wearing dark clothing, fled on foot. Police have launched a citywide search and released surveillance footage from Metro station exits. As of Sunday morning, no arrests have been made in connection with the stabbing.
Second Incident: Gunfire Near Metro Entrance
Less than 20 minutes after the stabbing, panic once again erupted near the Q Street NW entrance to the Dupont Circle Metro station. At around 6:52 p.m., multiple shots were fired during a confrontation that broke out between a group of individuals near the sidewalk adjacent to the station entrance. Metro Transit Police and MPD responded within minutes.
One individual, described as a 21-year-old male, was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken to George Washington University Hospital in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that the shooting was likely targeted and not random.
No firearms were recovered at the scene, but investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras. Early reports indicate that a dark-colored sedan may have been involved and was seen speeding away from the scene shortly after shots rang out.
WorldPride Celebrations Temporarily Halted
WorldPride D.C. organizers, who had been battling city regulators over recent security restrictions, quickly issued a statement late Saturday evening confirming a temporary pause on scheduled performances and activities in and around Dupont Circle until further notice.
“Our hearts are with the victims and everyone affected by tonight’s violence,” the statement read. “We are cooperating fully with local authorities to ensure the safety of our community and will not resume any event activities until we are confident it is safe to do so.”
The city’s LGBTQ+ community expressed frustration and heartbreak over the violence interrupting what was intended to be a joyful and inclusive celebration. Many advocates pointed to rising concerns around safety for marginalized communities and called for increased funding for public safety measures tailored to major events.
City Leaders Respond
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a public statement late Saturday night, saying she was “deeply saddened” by the violence and had directed the MPD to increase visible patrols in high-traffic areas throughout the remainder of WorldPride weekend.
“We will not allow hate, violence, or chaos to define our city or steal the joy and unity of WorldPride,” Bowser said. “The safety of our residents and visitors remains our top priority, and we are deploying every available resource to identify those responsible and prevent further incidents.”
MPD Chief Pamela A. Smith also addressed the media during a brief press conference, where she reassured the public that “every aspect of these crimes is being investigated,” and urged anyone with information to contact police.
“We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious. Our investigators are working tirelessly, and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice,” Chief Smith said.
Community Reactions and Calls for Unity
In the aftermath, local residents and activists gathered near the site Sunday morning to hold a peaceful vigil and community dialogue, emphasizing the need for solidarity and resilience. Many noted that despite the violence, the strength and spirit of the LGBTQ+ community in Washington will not be dimmed.
“Dupont Circle has always been a space of pride, protest, and visibility for our community,” said James Holloway, a longtime LGBTQ+ organizer and D.C. resident. “What happened last night was horrifying, but it reminds us why we must continue to come together — for love, for justice, and for each other.”
As of this writing, both victims remain hospitalized and are expected to recover. Police continue to ask the public for help identifying suspects in both cases, and the investigation remains active.
How to Help
Anyone with information or footage from the scene is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or send anonymous tips via the department’s text tip line by texting 50411.
The MPD has also asked for local businesses to preserve any surveillance recordings from between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening.
As the investigation continues, WorldPride organizers remain in close communication with city officials regarding the resumption of weekend events. A public update is expected later today.