Metro Transit Employee, 64, Killed In Shooting At DC Train Station

WASHINGTON, DC — A Metro Transit employee was killed and three others were injured in a shooting that suspended train service and prompted delays Wednesday at Potomac Avenue station in Washington, D.C., according to police.

Metropolitan police said officers were called to the station after a series of seemingly random shootings that started shortly after 9 a.m., D.C. police Executive Assistant Chief Ashan Benedict said during a news conference.

The Metro Transit employee killed was identified as 64-year-old Robert Cunningham, a mechanic in the agency's power department.

Randy Clark, general manager of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, called it an "incredibly sad day."

"Today, I feel profound sadness about the loss of our Metro family member, Robert Cunningham," Clark said in a statement. "We grieve for our employee, his family, and all who have been affected by this senseless tragedy. I appreciate the outpouring of support Metro has received today. Gun violence must stop."

According to police, the shootings started on a Metrobus near 14th and Potomac avenues when the suspect brandished a weapon and threatened passengers. Police said the gunman followed a man off the bus and shot him in the leg.

Authorities said the gunman entered the station, where they proceeded to shoot someone in the leg as they were buying a Metro pass. Police said the gunman then went to the station platform and attempted to assault a woman. Two Metro Transit employees saw the confrontation and tried to intervene, according to police; however, the gunman immediately shot Cunningham.

Cunningham was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The gunman then attempted to board a Metro train and was confronted and disarmed by the passengers. He exited the train car and was taken into custody by police officers, who recovered his weapon on the train tracks, Benedict said.

Metropolitan Police Department Executive Assistant Chief Ashan Benedict praised the "heroic actions of our citizens, our community, to disarm this shooter."

But he added, "The fact that our citizens had to intervene with armed gunmen is disturbing to me."

Three people who were injured were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, police said.

The gunman was taken into custody, police said. Police have not released their name.

The shootings were reported at about 9:20 a.m. Wednesday. Police also have not determined a motive or intent behind the shootings.

Mayor Muriel Bowser said the shootings highlight the need for serious gun control. Bowser and the Police Department recently endured intense public pressure after a city employee shot and killed a 13-year-old boy who was part of a group of youth breaking into parked cars on his block. The resident was charged this week with second-degree murder.

"We're focused on how we get guns out of our city," Bowser said. "Whether it's the Metro, it's the street, it's in individual homes, we know that we have guns that are creating tragedies in our city and in our nation."

Police investigation prompted delays on the orange, silver, and blue lines, according to Metrorail. Train service was temporarily suspended between the Federal Center S.W. and Minnesota Avenue/Benning Road stations.

D.C. and Metro Transit police are investigating the shooting. Anyone with information should call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.