Authorities have arrested a 17-year-old suspect in connection with a shooting at Howard University’s homecoming event in Washington, D.C., which resulted in the injury of five individuals. Kaevaughn Dudley, 17, was taken into custody on Friday, Nov. 14, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and others, and is being tried as an adult under federal law.
The incident occurred during the Yard Fest event on October 24, when a group of individuals—some dressed in black clothing and wearing face masks—were observed in the area around the university campus. Officials allege that the group encountered another smaller group of individuals, including a 13-year-old victim, and began exchanging words before one of the individuals in the larger group allegedly fired multiple shots at the second group. Surveillance footage reportedly confirmed Dudley’s involvement, as he was observed walking away from the victim group before firing the shots. The victims included three adult males, one adult female, and one juvenile male, with one student from Morgan State University suffering severe injuries and being hospitalized.
Officers who were already present at the homecoming event to patrol the area reportedly heard gunfire and responded quickly, locating the five gunshot victims and transporting them to a nearby hospital. Investigators recovered three firearms from the scene, including a privately made Polymer 80 firearm, a Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0, and a Glock 19 9mm. While the victims are not affiliated with Howard University, the incident has raised concerns about campus safety, particularly during high-profile events such as homecoming. Experts have warned of a surge in violent crime on college campuses, noting that this incident is part of a larger trend of attacks targeting students.
Although the initial arrest of two 19-year-olds was made for carrying a pistol without a license, they were later cleared of suspicion in the shooting. The case has also prompted discussions about the role of surveillance technology in apprehending suspects, as detectives had to review numerous camera feeds and hours of footage to identify Dudley. Dudley is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on December 15, and his legal representation remains unavailable at this time. The incident has become a focal point in conversations about the safety of students and the effectiveness of campus security measures against violent crime.