Matthew M. Graves U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia
Bryant Russell, a 46-year-old resident of Monroe, North Carolina, has been indicted by a grand jury on charges related to a shooting incident that occurred in the Deanwood neighborhood of Northeast D.C. on June 6, 2024. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
On February 26, 2025, Russell faced charges in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for aggravated assault while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison. The aggravated assault charge falls under the D.C. Council’s Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024 which classifies all gunshot wounds as serious bodily injury.
The government's evidence indicates that Russell fired from the sidewalk at his victim who was seated on his porch smoking; the shot struck the victim's right arm.
Russell fled after the incident but was arrested on June 7, 2024, and has remained in custody since then.
The case is being handled by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Green and support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Cocuzza.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
