A gunman has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after opening fire inside a fitness centre in Washington DC, killing one person and injuring four others before barricading himself inside his luxury apartment above the gym.
The shooting happened at approximately 8am on Thursday at VIDA Fitness in Logan Circle, less than a mile from the White House.
The suspect, identified as 55-year-old Dr Matt Lambert, reportedly shot the building’s manager before continuing to fire and retreating to his seventh-floor apartment.
Federal law enforcement authorities identified Lambert as the gunman, according to NBC News.
Gym Manager Killed as Gunman Opens Fire
Lambert allegedly shot 46-year-old James Stuart, the building’s manager, in the back while inside the fitness centre.
Police said the suspect was believed to be a member of the gym.
Following the initial shooting, Lambert continued firing before barricading himself inside his apartment at 1515 15th Street, located directly above the fitness facility.
Authorities forced their way into the building as the situation escalated. Lambert reportedly fired at police officers twice through his apartment door.
Police Negotiations End With Gunman’s Death
Law enforcement officers spent approximately an hour negotiating with Lambert through the apartment door.
However, negotiations came to an end after officers heard a gunshot from inside the property.
When authorities eventually entered the apartment, they discovered Lambert suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police later confirmed his death.
Three firearms were recovered from the apartment, including a handgun investigators believe was used during the shooting.
HOA Dispute Emerges as Possible Motive
Authorities revealed that Lambert had previously been involved in a conflict with the homeowners association (HOA) of the residential building.
Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffery W Carroll confirmed that investigators were examining the dispute as part of their investigation.
“We do know there was a conflict between him and the homeowners association of that building, but at this point we’re continuing to look into that,” Carroll said during a press conference.
Councilwoman Brooke Pinto also indicated that the building’s manager was the intended target of the attack.
Speaking to Fox 5, Pinto described the killing as particularly tragic given the nature of the reported disagreement.
“It’s so sad and so senseless to kill someone over a dispute that should be worked out reasonably,” she said.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the disagreement or established an official motive for the shooting.
Four People Injured, Woman Left in Critical Condition
In addition to Stuart, four other people were injured during the attack.
One woman sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was left in critical condition, while another woman was shot in the arm.
The remaining two victims suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening, according to NBC Washington.
Emergency responders attended to the victims as police secured the area and coordinated the response.
Gunman’s Lawyer Announces Planned Statement
Lambert’s lawyer, who had been representing him in a civil case, was scheduled to address reporters at 5pm at the apartment building.
A statement announcing the planned appearance said the lawyer intended to offer his personal perspective on the physician he had come to know.
“The remarks will acknowledge the gravity of the violence while emphasizing compassion for everyone affected,” the statement read.
Gym Members Evacuated as Police Secure Logan Circle
VIDA Fitness announced that its Logan Circle facility would remain closed until further notice following the shooting.
In a statement, the company said the safety and well-being of its members, guests and employees remained its highest priorities.
It also urged people to avoid travelling to the gym and surrounding area, advising anyone already nearby to follow instructions from local law enforcement.
Gym members were escorted out of the building with their hands raised.
They were subsequently seen gathered behind a police barricade as officers continued their operation.
Police also urged members of the public to stay away from the 1500 block of 15th Street while the incident remained active.
The affected area includes St Luke’s Episcopal Church, the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center, several shops, restaurants and residential buildings.
Roads surrounding the location were closed as a large police response was deployed.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also confirmed that it had sent agents to assist authorities at the scene.
Witnesses Describe Terrifying Moments During Shooting
People who were inside the gym and nearby businesses described scenes of panic as gunfire erupted.
One gymgoer described the incident as “horrific”, explaining that people inside the fitness centre struggled to escape because they would have had to pass the gunman.
She also recalled seeing a man near her being shot while she was walking on a treadmill.
Max Smith, who lived in the apartment building, told NBC Washington that he initially left his apartment after a fire alarm sounded.
However, residents heard gunfire shortly after making their way outside.
“Everyone starts sprinting,” Smith recalled.
He said he heard at least three or four gunshots, adding that at least 10 people sought shelter inside the bathroom of Call Your Mother deli.
“I’m very shaken up, you don’t expect it,” he said.
Oscar Vasquez, a manager at the deli, also described how employees responded when people began running towards the premises.
He said staff members initially heard fire alarms before loud gunshots followed minutes later.
“We saw people running in. The whole team came inside, we tried to get as many people that were running out into the (deli) building,” Vasquez said.
He added that employees locked the doors after bringing people inside and stayed away from the windows after police instructed them not to allow anyone else into the building.
Attack Occurs Less Than a Year After National Guard Shooting
The latest shooting took place in an area close to where two National Guard soldiers were shot while on duty near the White House last November.
Sarah Beckstrom was killed in that attack, while Andrew Wolfe sustained serious injuries.
The alleged gunman was identified as Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
The incident is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism.
Lakanwal has since been indicted and remains in federal custody.
