17-year-old shot in same block as KIPP DC in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department were on the scene of a shooting in the same block where KIPP DC College Prep High School is located.

WASHINGTON - A KIPP D.C. high schooler was shot on his way to school Friday morning, the second time a KIPP student was shot just outside the Northeast D.C. campus this year.

Police responded to the KIPP D.C. College Preparatory campus on Brentwood Parkway Northeast at around 10:30 a.m. Friday. Assistant Police Chief Andre Wright told reporters a 17-year-old tenth grader was shot in the calf with about 14 shell casings recovered from the scene. Wright also said the shooting was "clearly targeted."

High schooler shot outside KIPP DC in 'targeted attack'

A KIPP D.C. high schooler was shot on his way to school Friday morning, the second time a KIPP student was shot just outside the Northeast D.C. campus this year.

"For the parents and folks in the community that know what’s going on – whatever’s precipitating these beefs – these arguments that then escalate and introduced a gun into the equation, I would say to parents and community, please talk to your young folks and then reach out to the police department and let us know what’s going on so that we can get out in front of this," said Asst. Chief Wright at Friday's news conference.

Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker added that according to police, the Friday shooting was done out of retaliation for another incident earlier this week. He doubled down in calling for stronger Safe Passage Programs.

KIPP D.C. does work with Violence Interrupters and Safe Passage workers, but we’re told the time of the shooting happened outside the window of when those workers are normally at the school.

"It could be a shooting, it could be a kidnapping, anything, so yeah, I’m worried, and I wish the mayor would do something about it. Instead of making lanes for bikers, she needs to make it safe for the kids in the city," said a KIPP parent, who told FOX 5 she does not leave when dropping off her child until she knows her child has walked through the school’s front gates.

That same parent, who did not wish to be identified, tells FOX 5 she would consider bringing back more controversial measures to address crime and juvenile crime in the community.

"Truancy is something that they should bring back because it not only makes the student responsible, it makes the parent responsible too. You know … I get emails in my phone saying truancy this and truancy that, but if you look outside, you see students anywhere – ANYWHERE – so you know it’s not in effect. You know police are not pickingup these kids and taking them wherever they’re supposed to go," said the parent.

Police preliminary said they were looking for a suspect described as a male with a bush hairstyle, 120 to 130lbs, 5"6' to 5"7' driving a white Hyundai Elantra and armed with a handgun. Parker said the white vehicle did not have tags.

The 17-year-old is listed in critical condition at a nearby hospital.

KIPP D.C. canceled all after school programs out of an abundance of caution and encouraged students to immediately go home after Friday’s dismissal.

Read the entire message that was sent to KIPP DC parents and staff:

KIPP DC Families,

We want to bring to your attention an incident that occurred this morning near KCP. Our school is currently in secure status after receiving a report of a student who sustained a non-life threatening injury in a shooting off campus. The Metropolitan Police Department and emergency medical care are on site, and the student is currently stable. Access to campus is currently limited given police activity.

Students must remain indoors and on campus until the secure status is lifted. Students who are normally dismissed early will remain on campus until the secure status is lifted by MPD.

The safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities, and we are cooperating fully with the authorities. We understand that incidents like these can be concerning. We know that such incidents can cause stress and anxiety. If your family would like to be put in touch with mental health team members, please reach out to your child’s principal.

We will continue to keep you informed as we receive more updates from the authorities. If you have any immediate concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reply to this email.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.