Man shot dead at Union Station, police investigating

WASHINGTON - A man was shot and killed at Union Station on Monday afternoon, sparking a large police response and road closures as authorities worked to investigate the incident.

Union Station shooting

What we know:

The shooting occurred around 4:40 p.m. at the busy transit hub. 

D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith said Amtrak police officers were the first to respond to the gunshots in the parking garage. 

Once the officers arrived in the area, they found the victim "not conscious and not breathing." He was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to Chief Smith. 

Amtrak confirmed that the shooting took place near the escalators leading to the parking garage on the station’s upper level. 

The agency also reassured the public that there were no reported injuries to customers or employees.

Law enforcement officials, including emergency crews, are continuing their investigation into the incident. 

Columbus Circle between Louisiana Avenue and First Street NE was closed off as a precaution, as low-flying helicopters were seen overhead, searching for the shooter.

Chief Smith said that detectives believe the shooter and victim appeared to know each other. 

Smith said detectives were reviewing video footage of the incident, which shows the two men entering a waiting area of the parking garage before the shooting occurred. The victim allegedly grabbed something off the shooter before the suspect opened fire.

After being shot, the victim ran out of the waiting area, reached the escalator, and collapsed. 

The suspect is described as a Black man wearing gray pants and light-colored shoes at the time of the shooting. 

Smith noted that there were likely four people present in the glass-enclosed waiting area at the time of the shooting.

What we don't know:

Smith added that the victim's age is not yet known and police were still awaiting clearer images from the station’s surveillance cameras to aid in identifying the shooter.

While no weapons have been recovered, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Metropolitan Police Department.