A terrifying incident unfolded on the morning of May 28, 2025, when three students from Eastern Senior High School were robbed at gunpoint on their way to class. The robbery occurred just before 9:15 a.m. in the 1700 block of East Capitol Street NE, leaving one student injured and raising new concerns about student safety across the city.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the students were approached by a group of unknown suspects as they were making their way to school. The suspects, reportedly wearing all black and armed with a firearm, demanded the teens’ belongings. One of the students suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the encounter and was later transported to a nearby hospital for treatment by D.C. Fire and EMS personnel.
The attackers fled the scene in two vehicles — a black four-door sedan and a smaller silver SUV — and as of now, remain unidentified and at large. The MPD has since launched an investigation and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
School Responds to Alarming Incident
Following the robbery, Eastern Senior High School’s Principal, Steven Miller, sent out a message to parents and guardians. In the letter, he expressed his concern and reassured families that the school is working closely with law enforcement to ensure student safety.
As part of the immediate response, MPD officers increased their presence around the school during arrival and dismissal hours. The school also activated its crisis response team, including social workers, counselors, and psychologists, to support students who may have been emotionally impacted.
Parents were visibly shaken by the news, with many gathering outside the school shortly after the robbery. Several demanded more secure measures, including surveillance cameras and a greater police presence around school zones.
A Pattern of Student Robberies
This incident is not isolated. In recent months, D.C. has seen a rise in reported crimes targeting students, particularly during commute hours. Some past incidents involved students being robbed of high-value items such as cell phones, backpacks, and designer shoes.
According to Fox 5 DC, students have increasingly become targets for groups looking to snatch expensive items. In one previous case, a student was reportedly robbed of luxury sneakers in a similar incident just blocks from a different D.C. school.
The ongoing nature of these crimes has sparked a broader conversation among city leaders and school administrators about the need for a stronger security presence and more structured student transportation options.
Police Seek Public Assistance
The Metropolitan Police Department is requesting help from the public in identifying the suspects involved in the latest robbery near Eastern Senior High School. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the department by calling (202) 727-9099 or by sending an anonymous tip via text to 50411.
For official updates and tips on community safety, citizens can refer to:
- https://mpdc.dc.gov – The official website of the Metropolitan Police Department
- https://dcps.dc.gov – DC Public Schools site for school-related safety policies and alerts
Community Safety Back in the Spotlight
The incident has once again pushed the issue of public safety, especially around school zones, into the spotlight. Many in the community are calling for immediate policy-level action and faster implementation of safety protocols that have been discussed but not yet executed.
Meanwhile, parents, educators, and local officials are left grappling with how to reassure students and families while ensuring that children can commute to school without fear.