Jeff may have blood in his hands if there is another zoo shooting next year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously OP - if you get your news from DCUM, I'm worried about you.

Agreed. (Np here.). However, as someone relatively new to DC, I had no idea the day after Easter was sometimes a violent day at the zoo. The news didn't report it. I learned about the Calvert bridge shooting on DCUM. A random comment about AA family day made me do a lot of googling. It took a lot of time to figure out what AA Family Day was, it's history (both good and bad), and determine that my family and I should skip the zoo yesterday. We were actually planning to go but thankfully I did some research. But I never would have know it was an unsafe day if I only watched the local news.

Thanks for sharing that perspective as someone new to DC. Do you think you'll go next year? What would you say to friends or relatives who might be in town?

No way. I will avoid the zoo for all of Spring Break and Easter. I'm not going to risk my life and the lives of my family to be politically correct. I will tell all friends, relatives, and tourists to stay far away. The community needs to end this crap now. Right now, tourists all over the US are telling their families and communities how violent DC is and how normal people can't even visit the zoo on a Spring day. We who live here know that's not accurate, but this is the reputation DC will get.

Let's not forget who pays for and operates the zoo. The federal government and the Smithsonian.. It is the National Zoo, where locals and tourists should feel welcome. It's not some private local hunting ground for a few screwed up DC gang bangers.

Thank you for bringing up this obvious yet so-far-ignored point. Time for the zoo to step up and either ensure safety or suspend the event until safety is guaranteed and the city can improve, not worsen, our image.

With the history of violence on this "event" it should be reassigned or cancelled. Why should the Easter Holiday be AA Day at the zoo in the first place?

Blame the racist history of this country for the need to have this day in the first place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Latest zoo shooting update, borrowed from the other thread
http://m.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/police-search-for-suspects-motive-in-shooting-outside-national-zoo/2014/04/22/725a0e2a-ca23-11e3-93eb-6c0037dde2ad_story.html

Thank you for posting this story. It sounds like there is increasing GUN VIOLENCE at the zoo around Easter. How is this acceptable? The event has gotten off track. I have lived in this area for 20+ years and never seen gun violence condoned in any government owned facility -- zoo, museum ect. Whatever the cause, it is not acceptable. The solution is to "go to the zoo another day?" to avoid a shooting?

Two separate shootings in 14 years is hardly increasing gun violence. Let's not get hysterical.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:everybody should know never go to the zoo the day after easter. sad but true

I'm being naive, I do realize, but what am I missing? Why is that such a hot-button day?

It is African American family day and, somehow, that leads to violence every year, either mobs or stabbings or, this year, shootings. It would be quite useful to investigate why, instead of ignoring these facts.

Except those aren't facts. Shootings and stabbings don't happen every year. In fact, it appears that in 2000 there was a shooting, in 2011 a stabbing, and the latest event which has still not been connected to the zoo.

Bullshit. Read the post by the Starbucks employee in the other thread. Attend the police community meeting tomorrow to discuss last week's harassment and shots. It is essentially every year, in one shape or another.

I read that post. It didn't say anything about shootings and stabbings every year. What purpose do you have to spread misinformation?

Jeff - this happens every year. The only time it makes the post is when someone is actually shot or stabbed severely enough to make local news. Those of us who live (or lived) anywhere near Woodley or Cleveland Park know to stay away from CT Ave the say after Easter.

Let's just be clear on what "this" is. "This" is not shootings or stabbings. Yes, there are big crowds. Yes, sometimes those crowds are not well-behaved. I wouldn't choose to go to the zoo that day because of the crowds. Shootings and stabbings, thankfully, are rare.

I call BS. If those of us who think there is a pattern of violence or unruly behavior are wrong, you should put your money where your mouth is and go to the zoo next year on Easter Monday with your children in the afternoon/early evening. Spend a little time around the entrance and take some pictures by the zoo sign. Then you can tell us all about how we were wrong! Wouldn't that be the best argument against all those people who take "glee" in these events? (Not buying the crowd thing. I'm sure your children have been in crowds before if you judge it's worthwhile.)

Exactly. BS time is over. Let's see who among the "its just another day at the zoo" crowd takes their family and kids to the zoo next AA family day. Words are cheap, deeds are not.

Life as a blowhard must be fun. Just say whatever you want and never have to worry about facts. It seems like half of you can't even read. What I said is that there haven't been shootings or stabbings every year. If you are claiming there are -- as some posters have -- you are either misinformed or lying. I only go to the zoo a couple of times a year. Why would I pick one of the busiest days of the year? Plus, I have the luxury of being able to go during the week. Why would I go on any weekend?

It is amazing that simply expecting people to be accurate about an event is enough to provoke a 10 page plus thread and this kind of anger. You guys seriously need to take a valium.

Yes, Valium would have been a great defense against these "four spent 9mm casings"
http://m.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/police-search-for-suspects-motive-in-shooting-outside-national-zoo/2014/04/22/725a0e2a-ca23-11e3-93eb-6c0037dde2ad_story.html

Jeff, what can I say, you are a disgrace.

Another idiot that can't read and doesn't care about facts. Those cartridges were not from this shooting. Are you a habitual liar or is that something new you just started?

What's really disturbing about the article is that it seems that gang members and wannabes are playing out their grudge-matches on new territory, family-friendly Connecticut Avenue and Woodley Park. This is the sort of development that needs to be taken very seriously by the neighborhood, the police and city authorities, with an overwhelming response called for to stop this problem before it continues.

Why? It deserves EXTRA attention because it is Woodley Park and not LeDroit Park? LOL. Recently, there was an 8YO girl who was collateral damage in a shooitng in SE. No outrage from the DCUM crowd although it got plenty of pub "in the AA community" (whatever that is). Here, you had a shooting and the victim was targeted. No collateral damange thank God. But it warrants 13 pages of outrage, insults and argument. Folks, we need to be concerned about these issues across the District. A shooting in Woodley Park should not be "more important" than a shooting in Anacostia or Sursum Corda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Latest zoo shooting update, borrowed from the other thread
http://m.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/police-search-for-suspects-motive-in-shooting-outside-national-zoo/2014/04/22/725a0e2a-ca23-11e3-93eb-6c0037dde2ad_story.html

Thank you for posting this story. It sounds like there is increasing GUN VIOLENCE at the zoo around Easter. How is this acceptable? The event has gotten off track. I have lived in this area for 20+ years and never seen gun violence condoned in any government owned facility -- zoo, museum ect. Whatever the cause, it is not acceptable. The solution is to "go to the zoo another day?" to avoid a shooting?

Two separate shootings in 14 years is hardly increasing gun violence. Let's not get hysterical.

It's not every year, but it's also not as you characterize it. The first "shooting" involved 7 victims, all minors I think. This week, it was two victims. That follows an incident of rampaging young people in the Woodley Park neighborhood last week, when guns were discharged but fortunately not one was hit. The Post reports today that Facebook postings indicated that some of last week's crowd planned to meet at the zoo again on Easter Monday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Latest zoo shooting update, borrowed from the other thread
http://m.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/police-search-for-suspects-motive-in-shooting-outside-national-zoo/2014/04/22/725a0e2a-ca23-11e3-93eb-6c0037dde2ad_story.html

Thank you for posting this story. It sounds like there is increasing GUN VIOLENCE at the zoo around Easter. How is this acceptable? The event has gotten off track. I have lived in this area for 20+ years and never seen gun violence condoned in any government owned facility -- zoo, museum ect. Whatever the cause, it is not acceptable. The solution is to "go to the zoo another day?" to avoid a shooting?

Two separate shootings in 14 years is hardly increasing gun violence. Let's not get hysterical.

It's not every year, but it's also not as you characterize it. The first "shooting" involved 7 victims, all minors I think. This week, it was two victims. That follows an incident of rampaging young people in the Woodley Park neighborhood last week, when guns were discharged but fortunately not one was hit. The Post reports today that Facebook postings indicated that some of last week's crowd planned to meet at the zoo again on Easter Monday.

I did not say it was every year. But there have been 4 incidents in the last 14 years in the same place on the same Holiday. Something wrong with that picture. strangely, it is against the law to "discharge a gun" wonder why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:everybody should know never go to the zoo the day after easter. sad but true

I'm being naive, I do realize, but what am I missing? Why is that such a hot-button day?

It is African American family day and, somehow, that leads to violence every year, either mobs or stabbings or, this year, shootings. It would be quite useful to investigate why, instead of ignoring these facts.

Except those aren't facts. Shootings and stabbings don't happen every year. In fact, it appears that in 2000 there was a shooting, in 2011 a stabbing, and the latest event which has still not been connected to the zoo.

Bullshit. Read the post by the Starbucks employee in the other thread. Attend the police community meeting tomorrow to discuss last week's harassment and shots. It is essentially every year, in one shape or another.

I read that post. It didn't say anything about shootings and stabbings every year. What purpose do you have to spread misinformation?

Jeff - this happens every year. The only time it makes the post is when someone is actually shot or stabbed severely enough to make local news. Those of us who live (or lived) anywhere near Woodley or Cleveland Park know to stay away from CT Ave the say after Easter.

Let's just be clear on what "this" is. "This" is not shootings or stabbings. Yes, there are big crowds. Yes, sometimes those crowds are not well-behaved. I wouldn't choose to go to the zoo that day because of the crowds. Shootings and stabbings, thankfully, are rare.

I call BS. If those of us who think there is a pattern of violence or unruly behavior are wrong, you should put your money where your mouth is and go to the zoo next year on Easter Monday with your children in the afternoon/early evening. Spend a little time around the entrance and take some pictures by the zoo sign. Then you can tell us all about how we were wrong! Wouldn't that be the best argument against all those people who take "glee" in these events? (Not buying the crowd thing. I'm sure your children have been in crowds before if you judge it's worthwhile.)

Exactly. BS time is over. Let's see who among the "its just another day at the zoo" crowd takes their family and kids to the zoo next AA family day. Words are cheap, deeds are not.

Life as a blowhard must be fun. Just say whatever you want and never have to worry about facts. It seems like half of you can't even read. What I said is that there haven't been shootings or stabbings every year. If you are claiming there are -- as some posters have -- you are either misinformed or lying. I only go to the zoo a couple of times a year. Why would I pick one of the busiest days of the year? Plus, I have the luxury of being able to go during the week. Why would I go on any weekend?

It is amazing that simply expecting people to be accurate about an event is enough to provoke a 10 page plus thread and this kind of anger. You guys seriously need to take a valium.

Yes, Valium would have been a great defense against these "four spent 9mm casings"
http://m.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/police-search-for-suspects-motive-in-shooting-outside-national-zoo/2014/04/22/725a0e2a-ca23-11e3-93eb-6c0037dde2ad_story.html

Jeff, what can I say, you are a disgrace.

Another idiot that can't read and doesn't care about facts. Those cartridges were not from this shooting. Are you a habitual liar or is that something new you just started?

What's really disturbing about the article is that it seems that gang members and wannabes are playing out their grudge-matches on new territory, family-friendly Connecticut Avenue and Woodley Park. This is the sort of development that needs to be taken very seriously by the neighborhood, the police and city authorities, with an overwhelming response called for to stop this problem before it continues.

Why? It deserves EXTRA attention because it is Woodley Park and not LeDroit Park? LOL. Recently, there was an 8YO girl who was collateral damage in a shooitng in SE. No outrage from the DCUM crowd although it got plenty of pub "in the AA community" (whatever that is). Here, you had a shooting and the victim was targeted. No collateral damange thank God. But it warrants 13 pages of outrage, insults and argument. Folks, we need to be concerned about these issues across the District. A shooting in Woodley Park should not be "more important" than a shooting in Anacostia or Sursum Corda.

I'm not saying that it is "more important" but it should involve very immediate, focused attention. The reason, according to police leaders, is that when you see a spike in violence and criminal behavior in an area considered "safe" you have to get right on it. It's like a spreading cancer -- and the chances of addressing it are greater before it starts to really take hold. This follows an incident last week in Woodley Park in which there were shots, and police believe that some of the same people returned planned to return to the zoo this week. Finally, the zoo is an iconic destination where families bring their kids. Of course, it is important to address violence there and in the immediate area of the zoo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This AA family goes to six flags on Easter Monday. We've seen enough lions, tigers and bears (in my Jasmine Sullivan voice).

This AA family does not got to the zoo either. Not because I am worried about violence, shooting or stabbing. It is just too many damn people in a confined space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Latest zoo shooting update, borrowed from the other thread
http://m.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/police-search-for-suspects-motive-in-shooting-outside-national-zoo/2014/04/22/725a0e2a-ca23-11e3-93eb-6c0037dde2ad_story.html

Thank you for posting this story. It sounds like there is increasing GUN VIOLENCE at the zoo around Easter. How is this acceptable? The event has gotten off track. I have lived in this area for 20+ years and never seen gun violence condoned in any government owned facility -- zoo, museum ect. Whatever the cause, it is not acceptable. The solution is to "go to the zoo another day?" to avoid a shooting?

Two separate shootings in 14 years is hardly increasing gun violence. Let's not get hysterical.

It's not every year, but it's also not as you characterize it. The first "shooting" involved 7 victims, all minors I think. This week, it was two victims. That follows an incident of rampaging young people in the Woodley Park neighborhood last week, when guns were discharged but fortunately not one was hit. The Post reports today that Facebook postings indicated that some of last week's crowd planned to meet at the zoo again on Easter Monday.

No matter the number of victims, it still equals TWO separate shootings in 14 years. I'm disputing your claim that the gun violence has escalated.

[Anonymous]

Very interesting how this GUN violence has not sparked a conversation about GUN CONTROL. Rather than focusing on GUN CONTROL (as is the case around here when the perps are white), folks want to ask what the AA community is doing about the problem. Damn hypocrites.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^^Huh? I just opened it and it said exactly what Jeff reported. Mentioned nothing about anyone's race. It was billed as "Family Day."

Under the zebra print header in green letters it does still say
Home|Events|Celebrations|African American Family Celebration so the title has been changed but not the outline.
The internal title now is "A Washington Family Celebration"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Very interesting how this GUN violence has not sparked a conversation about GUN CONTROL. Rather than focusing on GUN CONTROL (as is the case around here when the perps are white), folks want to ask what the AA community is doing about the problem. Damn hypocrites.

I'd love to see enhanced gun control. I'd also like to see MPD and federal police using stop and frisk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:everybody should know never go to the zoo the day after easter. sad but true

I'm being naive, I do realize, but what am I missing? Why is that such a hot-button day?

It is African American family day and, somehow, that leads to violence every year, either mobs or stabbings or, this year, shootings. It would be quite useful to investigate why, instead of ignoring these facts.

Except those aren't facts. Shootings and stabbings don't happen every year. In fact, it appears that in 2000 there was a shooting, in 2011 a stabbing, and the latest event which has still not been connected to the zoo.

Bullshit. Read the post by the Starbucks employee in the other thread. Attend the police community meeting tomorrow to discuss last week's harassment and shots. It is essentially every year, in one shape or another.

I read that post. It didn't say anything about shootings and stabbings every year. What purpose do you have to spread misinformation?

Jeff - this happens every year. The only time it makes the post is when someone is actually shot or stabbed severely enough to make local news. Those of us who live (or lived) anywhere near Woodley or Cleveland Park know to stay away from CT Ave the say after Easter.

Let's just be clear on what "this" is. "This" is not shootings or stabbings. Yes, there are big crowds. Yes, sometimes those crowds are not well-behaved. I wouldn't choose to go to the zoo that day because of the crowds. Shootings and stabbings, thankfully, are rare.

I call BS. If those of us who think there is a pattern of violence or unruly behavior are wrong, you should put your money where your mouth is and go to the zoo next year on Easter Monday with your children in the afternoon/early evening. Spend a little time around the entrance and take some pictures by the zoo sign. Then you can tell us all about how we were wrong! Wouldn't that be the best argument against all those people who take "glee" in these events? (Not buying the crowd thing. I'm sure your children have been in crowds before if you judge it's worthwhile.)

Exactly. BS time is over. Let's see who among the "its just another day at the zoo" crowd takes their family and kids to the zoo next AA family day. Words are cheap, deeds are not.

Life as a blowhard must be fun. Just say whatever you want and never have to worry about facts. It seems like half of you can't even read. What I said is that there haven't been shootings or stabbings every year. If you are claiming there are -- as some posters have -- you are either misinformed or lying. I only go to the zoo a couple of times a year. Why would I pick one of the busiest days of the year? Plus, I have the luxury of being able to go during the week. Why would I go on any weekend?

It is amazing that simply expecting people to be accurate about an event is enough to provoke a 10 page plus thread and this kind of anger. You guys seriously need to take a valium.

Yes, Valium would have been a great defense against these "four spent 9mm casings"
http://m.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/police-search-for-suspects-motive-in-shooting-outside-national-zoo/2014/04/22/725a0e2a-ca23-11e3-93eb-6c0037dde2ad_story.html

Jeff, what can I say, you are a disgrace.

Another idiot that can't read and doesn't care about facts. Those cartridges were not from this shooting. Are you a habitual liar or is that something new you just started?

What's really disturbing about the article is that it seems that gang members and wannabes are playing out their grudge-matches on new territory, family-friendly Connecticut Avenue and Woodley Park. This is the sort of development that needs to be taken very seriously by the neighborhood, the police and city authorities, with an overwhelming response called for to stop this problem before it continues.

Why? It deserves EXTRA attention because it is Woodley Park and not LeDroit Park? LOL. Recently, there was an 8YO girl who was collateral damage in a shooitng in SE. No outrage from the DCUM crowd although it got plenty of pub "in the AA community" (whatever that is). Here, you had a shooting and the victim was targeted. No collateral damange thank God. But it warrants 13 pages of outrage, insults and argument. Folks, we need to be concerned about these issues across the District. A shooting in Woodley Park should not be "more important" than a shooting in Anacostia or Sursum Corda.

I'm not saying that it is "more important" but it should involve very immediate, focused attention. The reason, according to police leaders, is that when you see a spike in violence and criminal behavior in an area considered "safe" you have to get right on it. It's like a spreading cancer -- and the chances of addressing it are greater before it starts to really take hold. This follows an incident last week in Woodley Park in which there were shots, and police believe that some of the same people returned planned to return to the zoo this week. Finally, the zoo is an iconic destination where families bring their kids. Of course, it is important to address violence there and in the immediate area of the zoo.

I can say that almost every shooting in the District deserves this, no matter what neighborhood it happened in. I understand and somewhat agree if you are saying that the Zoo should get the same level of protection as the National Mall and the like (and they had that on Monday). However, your post implies that Woodley Park is entitled to more police presence and crime fighting resources than other neighborhoods because a crime happened in Woodley Park that "normally" happens in other neighborhoods. That implication is a slippery slope.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Very interesting how this GUN violence has not sparked a conversation about GUN CONTROL. Rather than focusing on GUN CONTROL (as is the case around here when the perps are white), folks want to ask what the AA community is doing about the problem. Damn hypocrites.

I'd love to see enhanced gun control. I'd also like to see MPD and federal police using stop and frisk.

They already do this. The problem is that they mainly target minorities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://m.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/police-search-for-suspects-motive-in-shooting-outside-national-zoo/2014/04/22/725a0e2a-ca23-11e3-93eb-6c0037dde2ad_story.html
shington Post)

For Woodley Park residents, the shooting was the culmination of a week of disturbances that forced the zoo to close its gates early on consecutive Mondays. On April 14, a man unloading groceries saw a youth fire shots into the air as he and friends ran through an alley off Connecticut Avenue, according to a D.C. police report. Police detained three people, including one hiding in a garbage can, but made no arrests. Officers found four spent 9mm casings near the Marriott Wardman Park on Woodley Road, three blocks southwest of the zoo...Zoo guest services staff member Robin Ballard said the teens who were kicked out had been there April 14. She said managers told her that the teens had posted on Facebook that they would be returning. “They were stealing stuff, and they were fighting,” Ballard said.

There's a school and at least two churches located between the zoo and the Wardman Marriott. What a lovely area it's becoming.

Right. On the 14th, kids from Aidan Montessori were on the playground when the shots went off. The teachers reacted quickly and got them inside.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
http://m.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/police-search-for-suspects-motive-in-shooting-outside-national-zoo/2014/04/22/725a0e2a-ca23-11e3-93eb-6c0037dde2ad_story.html
shington Post)

For Woodley Park residents, the shooting was the culmination of a week of disturbances that forced the zoo to close its gates early on consecutive Mondays. On April 14, a man unloading groceries saw a youth fire shots into the air as he and friends ran through an alley off Connecticut Avenue, according to a D.C. police report. Police detained three people, including one hiding in a garbage can, but made no arrests. Officers found four spent 9mm casings near the Marriott Wardman Park on Woodley Road, three blocks southwest of the zoo...Zoo guest services staff member Robin Ballard said the teens who were kicked out had been there April 14. She said managers told her that the teens had posted on Facebook that they would be returning. “They were stealing stuff, and they were fighting,” Ballard said.


There's a school and at least two churches located between the zoo and the Wardman Marriott. What a lovely area it's becoming.


Right. On the 14th, kids from Aidan Montessori were on the playground when the shots went off. The teachers reacted quickly and got them inside.

Wow Facebook...too bad there is no way to track down who posted that.