DC Mayor Bowser delivers update on infant shooting death, vaccine allotment increase

WASHINGTON, DC (WDVM) — Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser made statements on the shooting death of a 1-year-old infant who died Wednesday night and provided a coronavirus update in an 11 a.m. press conference Thursday.

“We’re all sick of the heinous crimes in our city,” said Bowser. “We also need to talk about accountability for criminals who indiscriminately shoot guns and kill people.”

Police are still searching for the suspect, and Bowser announced that there is a $60,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the shooter. Residents can provide information through an anonymous tip line by texting 50411 or calling 202-727-9099.

Bowser then introduced Metropolitan Police Chief Peter Newsham, who said that the incident was DC’s 187th homicide this year.

The District announced two COVID-19 deaths from Wednesday: a 39-year-old man and a 61-year-old man. A total of 692 District residents have died from COVID-19. 

Bowser said the district has appealed to Operation Warp Speed for an increased vaccine allotment to the District. The mayor says the current allotment would not cover all of the city’s healthcare workers.

“Approximately 75% of our more than 80,000 of our healthcare workers are residents of Maryland and Virginia and not the District,” said Bowser. “So we will keep pushing to get the resources that we need.”