OFFICIAL RELEASE September 14, 2022 Contact: Julian Goldstein, (202) 239- 9282 Community Liaison Recent Home Shooting of Rep. Oye: DC Public Safety Hits Home One week ago, I discovered a living nightmare when I arrived home to find bullet holes inside one of my bedrooms. Shock turned into relief to find out nobody was harmed. I posted the incident online and was overwhelmed by the response. I am truly thankful for everyone who reached out and I appreciate the folks at MPD who followed up with my community to keep us safe. What we know so far, is that the bullets entered through the homes of my surrounding neighbors along with my own. One bullet still remains in my walls suggesting this ammunition was fired by a high capacity firearm. In addition, MPD suggests this bullet was a stray and we were not targeted. With that said, bullets don’t have names nor can be rerouted once shot. Stray bullets are commonly killing innocent people. We deserve better and we will be better. As the DC US Representative and living in Ward 8, I had to look in the mirror and see how I can prevent more homes from nearly fatal shooting incidents. While MPD works to take guns off the streets, I will push my office to keep residents away from using guns to misguidedly solve their problems. My office has already diverted young kids away from street politics and out of danger by collaborating with RESET, a nonprofit that engages young students to pursue STEM careers. But, we are committed to do more in public safety. My office and I will join Destiny Church of All Nations and other faith based organizations to provide resources like job training for youth, community service projects, and exposure to early leadership. My office and I will continue to participate in Peace Marches to promote camaraderie and unity. We will offer opportunities for all young DC residents irregardless of their background to join our office as we build for a better tomorrow. Last week’s event was just one of many violent nights in today’s DC. WE ARE NOT VICTIMS, WE ARE NOT DOWN, WE ARE NOT PROBLEMS. Instead, we are solutions and will remain steadfast moving towards equality, as it is critical that the youngest among us are given the chance to grow in a safe environment. US Representative Dr. Oye Owolewa (DC)