Shooting in Washington leaves 1 dead, nearby early learning center is sealed off

WASHINGTON – Police are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon in Southeast D.C. that left residents uneasy and led to a nearby children's education center being put on lockdown.

The incident occurred on 6th Street SE, where police say a man wearing a face mask and black opened fire with a rifle. Authorities are now searching for a white SUV believed to be connected to the shooting.

The call came in around 4 p.m. and when officers arrived at the scene, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound.

According to police, he was unconscious and not breathing when paramedics took him to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

A woman who lives in the community described to FOX 5 what she heard: “A barrage of gunfire, non-stop gunfire. It was like: bow, bow, bow!”

“We're not safe in the city, 4 p.m., sunlight outside. We just have to do better,” she continued. “We have to find a way to stop gun violence. We are definitely a city under siege right now.”

Following the shooting, the nearby Sunshine Early Learning Center was placed on lockdown.

Teachers, students and staff remained indoors as worried parents waited for news and for their children to be picked up.

No injuries were reported at the center.

As the investigation continues, police are working to determine whether the shooting was random or targeted.

Police have not yet released the victim's identity and are urging anyone with information about the shooting or the white SUV to come forward.