Reports of a possible shooter and hours-long lock down Thursday at the Washington Navy Yard left many residents in Washington D.C. concerned, according to interviews.
A couple of hours after initial reports of a possible shooter flooded social media and metropolitan news sites, authorities gave the all clear. But, that didn’t stop residents from feeling confused or concerned about what was happening in the southeastern part of their city at the Navy post that was the site of a mass shooting in September 2013.
“After hearing about all of these shootings, people become desensitized,” said Sajlaya Henson, 27.
Metropolitan district police announced shortly after 10 a.m. no gunmen were on scene and no shots had been fired.
Leonaro Roy, 27, stood behind the counter at a Tenleytown smoothie shop. He heard the initial buzz on Facebook.
“This is very concerning considering it was the second time it happened,” Roy said, before police had released updated details.
On Sept. 16, 2013, former Navy veteran Aaron Alexis, 34, opened fire at the Navy Yard killing 12 people.
The former shipyard is currently the ceremonial and administrative headquarters for the U.S. Navy and operates for the Chief of Naval Operations, according to its website.
The Navy Yard is not the only place on U.S. soil to experience events such as mass shootings; they have become a trend in America’s headlines over the last several years.
This has become a leading point in the bipartisan debate, striking debate and heated emotions on both sides.
On one side, proponents of gun control argue the weapons industry needs to be regulated to ensure these occurrences cease. Citizens are calling for action and turning to officials to make changes.
Melissa Hoghtlin, 55, said: “Why aren’t we doing anything about gun control?”