In an incident that unfolded early on Valentine's Day morning, three D.C. Police officers were shot and another officer was injured while attempting to serve an arrest warrant in Southeast Washington D.C. According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith, the officers were responding to a residence on Hannah Place, Southeast, following an arrest warrant issued by the Humane Society for cruelty to animals.

As the officers tried to establish contact with the suspect inside the residence, the individual refused to come outside and, subsequently, opened fire on the officers. Chief Smith reported that all three officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Additionally, a fourth officer was injured during the incident, although not by gunfire.

Chief Smith, along with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, visited the injured officers at the hospital and reported that they were in good spirits. As of now, the suspect remains barricaded inside the residence, and authorities are engaged in ongoing communications with the individual. Chief Smith urged the public to avoid the area until the suspect is apprehended, and it is unknown at this time if there are any other individuals inside the house.

The scene has been cordoned off by law enforcement, with Benning Road, Southeast, from G Street to Southern Avenue, Southeast, temporarily closed as investigators work diligently at the active scene. Authorities have advised residents and commuters in the area to seek alternate routes along Alabama Avenue, Southeast, and 46th Street, Southeast.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, with one homeowner stating that he heard at least ten shots fired outside his residence. Darius Mayfield, a Republican candidate for NJ's 12th Congressional District, expressed his sadness over the nearby active shooter situation, sending his prayers to the injured officers.

Chief Smith, in response to questions regarding the shortage of police officers, affirmed that D.C. crime was not spiraling out of control while acknowledging the lack of respect towards law enforcement by certain individuals. DC Police Union Chairman Gregg Pemberton raised concerns about the agency's shortage of 500 officers, attributing it to the City Council's comprehensive policing and Justice Reform Act, which he claimed undermined officers' rights and hindered their ability to fulfill their duties.

However, Chief Smith maintained that there were sufficient officers assigned to serve the arrest warrant. She acknowledged the prevailing staffing shortages across law enforcement agencies nationwide and assured the public that they would continue to make the best use of their current staffing numbers.