Tragic incident: 5-year-old shot by sibling inside apartment

On Monday evening, a 5-year-old girl was shot by a younger sibling and is now fighting for her life at a Washington, D.C. hospital, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., a shooting was reported inside an apartment in the Unit block of Galveston Street Southwest, as stated by Chief Pamela Smith.

In the scene, a 5-year-old girl was discovered with a gunshot wound in her upper body. She was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

"Smith stated in a news conference Monday night that the child is in critical condition at the moment, as he said, "It's such an unfortunate incident.""

The unsecured firearm inside the apartment was accessed by the little girl's younger brother, who is believed to be around 3 years old, resulting in her being shot, Smith said.

""Unsecured firearms in homes pose a significant threat to children, as demonstrated by this incident. We urge everyone to prioritize firearm safety and keep our female victim in their prayers," Smith stated."

While their mother ran errands, a longtime family friend was arrested inside the apartment and charged with cruelty to children.

The police were unsure if the man was romantically involved with the mother, but stated that the apartment belonged to her.

At the apartment complex, a special police officer was assaulted by a woman who was subsequently arrested. Although no details about the incident were disclosed, Smith stated that the woman is the sister of the girl who was shot.

Smith stated that the investigation is ongoing and officers do not yet know who owned the gun or if it was a ghost gun.

In the brief press conference, Smith underscored the significance of firearm safety and stressed that it must be discussed more frequently.

Smith stated that when firearms are present in our homes, it is expected that they will be kept locked and out of reach from young children.