Teen Charged in Shootings at D.C. Zoo

Police arrested a 16-year-old boy Tuesday in Monday’s shootings at the National Zoo that wounded seven youths and stunned visitors to one of the capital’s most popular tourist attractions.

The teenager was taken into custody without incident at the home of a relative in Northeast Washington, Assistant Police Chief Terrance Gainer said. A shotgun was found at the scene, he said. The youngster was charged with assault with intent to kill.

Police Cmdr. Peter Newsham said at a news conference that authorities would attempt to charge the youth as an adult.

Officials had said the weapon used in the shootings was most likely a 9-millimeter handgun but none was found. But Gainer said he believed ammunition used in a 9-millimeter handgun was recovered.

The investigation into the shootings continued, but “we’re still operating under the presumption there was one gunman, one gun,” Gainer added.

The shootings prompted calls from local and federal officials for stricter gun controls, but they insisted the National Zoo and the capital’s other tourist attractions are safe.

Mayor Anthony A. Williams said more must be done to reduce teenagers’ access to guns and discourage them from resorting to deadly force to resolve conflicts. “Instead of reaching for a bottle or a rock,” as children used to do, “you’re now reaching for guns,” Williams said.

President Clinton echoed that theme during a White House event on hate crimes. “It should be obvious that we can do more and we must do more,” Clinton said.

But Williams and zoo officials said metal detectors would not be added to the zoo when it reopens today. “I don’t think that’s called for,” Williams said.

Seven youths, ages 11 to 16, were shot after a fight at the zoo, which was crowded with thousands of people at an annual black family celebration.

A high-ranking police official had said Monday and again early Tuesday that doctors told him the most severely wounded, an 11-year-old boy, was brain-dead. But Children’s National Medical Center said the child was never brain-dead, and he was responding to care.

“Although the child remains in critical condition, a repeat CT scan of the head continues stable,” said Dr. Martin R. Eichelberger, director of trauma services at the hospital.

A 12-year-old girl and 14-year-old boy were both in good condition with wounds to the pelvis and leg, respectively. The other children were hospitalized with lesser injuries.

Williams also said the shootings should not end the 100-year-old tradition of black families gathering at the zoo on the Monday after Easter.