Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Defendant Accused of Shooting Victim in the Arm While Victim Was Sitting on His Porch
WASHINGTON – Bryant Russell, 46, of Monroe, North Carolina, was indicted yesterday by a grand jury on aggravated assault while armed and other charges stemming from a shooting that occurred on June 6, 2024, in the Deanwood neighborhood of Northeast D.C., U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
On February 26, 2025, Russell was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on charges of aggravated assault while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction). Russell faces a maximum of 30 years in prison if convicted of the charges. The aggravated assault charge was brought under the D.C. Council’s Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024. The change in the law recognizes all gunshot wounds as serious bodily injury.
According to the government’s evidence, Russell fired a single gunshot from the sidewalk at the victim—who was seated on his porch, smoking—and struck the victim in the right arm.
Following the shooting, Russell fled the scene. He was arrested on June 7, 2024 and has been in custody since his arrest.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Green. Valuable assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Cocuzza.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.