2 Teenagers Stabbed, 1 Man Shot in Washington, D.C., During Pride Month Event

A vibrant Pride Month celebration in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C., turned tense Saturday evening when multiple acts of violence led authorities to clear the area and investigate the incidents.

• Around 7:00 p.m., two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, were stabbed during a confrontation between groups of juveniles in Dupont Circle Park. Both victims remained conscious and were promptly transported to nearby hospitals; their injuries were confirmed to be non–life-threatening .
• Shortly before 8:00 p.m. (7:50 p.m.), following the conclusion of the park stabbing and the clearing of the crowd, a man was shot in the foot just south of the park on 19th Street NW. He, too, was conscious, breathing, and expected to recover
• Metropolitan Police Department officials evacuated Dupont Circle Park following the stabbing incident and shut down parts of the surrounding streets and Metro entrances, including the 19th Street Metro escalator. These areas were later reopened — streets and station entrances resumed normal function by around 10 p.m.
• Investigators have not officially tied the vandalism to the ongoing WorldPride festivities or to any particular motive. Both investigations remain active, and no arrests have been made.
• Dupont Circle Park had been reopened earlier on Saturday after public pressure, reversing an earlier decision by the National Park Service to keep it closed for the weekend. The park reopened for the WorldPride celebration but became ground zero for the violence.
• Despite the late-evening disturbances, tens of thousands had turned out for the WorldPride parade under overcast skies, engaging in joyful yet politically motivated festivities, including a massive rainbow flag, celebrity appearances, and speeches demanding equality.
• D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto responded swiftly via X, calling the violence “absolutely unacceptable” and urging residents and visitors to prioritize safety.
• The violent episodes — occurring amidst large-scale celebrations — prompted city authorities and event organizers to reassess security measures for the remainder of the weekend. Concerns were raised, particularly by organizers of Black and brown LGBTQ+ events, about both public safety and police presence.
• According to law enforcement, the shooting and stabbings are being treated as separate incidents, with detailed investigations underway. Officials emphasized that the victims are expected to recover, but they have yet to determine whether there was any connection to the Pride events