D.C. Residents Fear for Safety After Club Shooting

A shooting at a popular nightclub in downtown Washington, D.C., left a bride-to-be injured just two weeks before her wedding. The incident has raised concerns among local residents about their safety in the city.

Washington, D.C., residents are expressing concerns about their safety in the aftermath of a shooting at a popular nightclub downtown. The incident, which left a bride-to-be injured just two weeks before her wedding, has shaken the community and sparked a debate about the city's crime rate.

According to police, the shooting occurred around 11:30 p.m. on April 26 at Decades on Connecticut Avenue NW. The suspect, Rennwel Mantock, allegedly opened fire after being escorted out of the club by security guards.

Multiple bystanders were shot in the incident, including a woman identified only as "Katie." Katie, who was celebrating her bachelorette party, was hit by a bullet as she ran for cover.

"I'm in a lot of pain, and I am just thankful that I am alive," Katie told FOX 5 DC. "The bouncer lifted up the rope after the first shot was fired, and then as I was running … I got hit."

The shooting occurred in an area of downtown D.C. that is typically busy with night activity on weekends. It has raised concerns among residents and businesses about the safety of the city center.

"I'm very scared," said one D.C. resident, who asked not to be identified. "I used to feel safe walking around here, but now I don't know."

Another resident, who lives near the nightclub, said the shooting has made her reconsider her evening routine.

"I used to take my dog for walks at night, but now I'm too scared," she said. "I don't know if it's safe anymore."

The suspect, 22-year-old Rennwel Mantock, is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill and six counts of firearm possession during a violent crime, according to D.C. court records.

According to a police report, Mantock told authorities that he began shooting after security punched him in the face. The suspect allegedly retrieved his gun from under a vehicle and fired multiple rounds.

The U.S. Secret Service assisted in arresting the suspect. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9099 or text 50411.