Washington DC community mourns shooting victim, calls for action against gun violence

A vigil was held in Washington DC's Logan Circle on November 12, 2026, to mourn James Stuart, 46, a building manager killed in a shooting that wounded four others. The gathering brought together around 50 people, who wrote messages for gym employees, local businesses, and emergency responders. The shooting occurred at and around VIDA Fitness, beneath the Metropole condominium building, where the suspected gunman, Matt Wade Lambert, 55, lived.

The Metropolitan Police Department reported that officers received calls about an active shooter at 7:59 am and found five people with gunshot wounds. Stuart died at the scene, while four others were transported to hospitals with injuries ranging from critical to non-life-threatening. Police identified Lambert as the suspected gunman and later found him dead inside his flat following a standoff.

Investigators believe Lambert deliberately targeted Stuart, with a longstanding dispute over conditions in his flat cited as a possible motive. Lambert had complained about mould, moisture, and water damage in his flat, according to police and court documents. The police investigation is ongoing, with tactical officers recovering three firearms used during the shooting.

During the emergency, gym staff helped people find shelter, directing them to a laundry room. An eyewitness, Tinbete Ermyas, an NPR editor, described hearing a loud bang and screams, then escaping to the laundry room, where they sheltered for 20 minutes until police escorted them out. Nearby businesses, including Call Your Mother Deli and Whole Foods, also took in people fleeing the scene.

The community has come together to support those affected by the shooting, with Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto stating that neighbours had opened their homes to displaced residents. Businesses have also offered help, and residents have written messages of support for emergency responders and gym employees.

Speakers at the vigil called for collective action against gun violence, urging residents to look out for neighbours who may be in distress. The appeal emphasised the need for community responsibility in preventing violence, with one speaker saying, "We have to get guns off our street. We have to look out for neighbors who are exhibiting warning signs and might be in distress."

The Metropolitan Police Department has urged anyone with information to contact investigators, with the investigation remaining open. The police also noted that no firearms were registered to Lambert in the District of Columbia.

Key points

• The shooting occurred after a longstanding dispute between Lambert and the condominium's management over conditions in his flat.
• The community has come together to support those affected by the shooting, with neighbours opening their homes and businesses offering help.
• Speakers at the vigil called for collective action against gun violence, urging residents to look out for neighbours who may be in distress.