In response to a recent shooting, Howard University has announced an increased police presence on and around its campus throughout the weekend.

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Five individuals were hospitalized following a shooting near Howard University on Friday night, as reported by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Authorities were alerted to gunshots in the 600 block of Howard Place NW shortly before 8:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, police discovered three men, a woman, and a 13-year-old boy, all of whom had sustained non-life-threatening injuries from gunshots. DC Fire and EMS transported them to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to the MPD, none of the victims were Howard University students, although one was identified as a student from Morgan State University. The incident coincided with a weekend of festivities, as Howard University’s homecoming events included a scheduled football game between the two universities on Saturday.

Officers explained that two people were taken into custody, and that police recovered three weapons at the scene.

One of the people taken into custody tried to run from officers, but police caught the person in a McDonald’s parking lot.

As of Friday night, MPD had not identified either person taken into custody.

A witness told DC News Now he was with his cousin when the shooting took place.

“All we heard was yelling,” he said. “We can’t do nothing in D.C. … this happens every time there’s a function in D.C., especially homecoming. D.C. [is] dangerous.”

Jaiden Ramirez said he was playing basketball when he saw three men running across the street, yelling at people. Then he heard six to seven gunshots.

“We panicked, we ran inside, and then we came outside 30 minutes after. We were not trying to get shot,” Ramirez described.

In a statement shared with DC News Now, Howard University’s Office of University Communications said the shooting was not affiliated with the school and that no Howard University students, faculty or staff were involved, but that the incident appeared to stem from a confrontation between two people.

“HUPD [Howard University Police Department] has implemented enhanced security measures throughout the weekend, including a increased presence of University security and personnel and local law enforcement agencies on and around campus to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all,” the university said in the statement.

“The University appreciates the swift and coordinated response of MPD and HUPD officers, whose actions helped protect the safety of our community.”

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