Teen Girl in Washington D.C. Dies After Accidental Shooting While Filming Social Media Video

Washington, D.C. — A 14-year-old girl tragically lost her life on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, after accidentally shooting herself while recording a video for social media, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The incident, which occurred in an apartment in Northeast D.C., has sparked renewed discussions about firearm safety and the risks associated with social media challenges.

The MPD responded to a report of a shooting around 5 p.m. in the 1700 block of Benning Road NE. Upon arrival, officers found the teenager suffering from a gunshot wound to her upper body. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released the teen’s identity, citing her age and the ongoing investigation.

Preliminary findings from the MPD indicate that the girl was handling a firearm while filming a video for social media when the weapon discharged. “The preliminary investigation reveals that the girl had a firearm while she was recording a video on social media, and it discharged,” the MPD stated in a news release. Multiple individuals, including at least one adult, were present in the apartment at the time of the incident, though their roles remain under investigation.

In a related development, a 15-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the shooting, according to a report by WJLA. The boy’s alleged involvement has not been detailed publicly, but the charges underscore the complexity of the case as police continue to investigate how the teen obtained the firearm. “Police have not released details on how the teen obtained the gun,” noted FOX 5 DC, highlighting a critical question in the ongoing probe.

The tragedy has prompted community leaders and law enforcement to call for increased awareness of gun safety, particularly among youth. “This is a heartbreaking incident that underscores the dangers of firearms in the hands of minors,” said Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith in a statement to the Washington Times. Local advocates are also pointing to the influence of social media, where viral challenges can sometimes encourage risky behavior among impressionable teens.

This incident adds to a series of accidental shootings involving young people across the United States. For instance, a February 2025 USA Today report detailed the death of a 4-year-old Florida boy who accidentally shot himself with a family member’s gun, underscoring the broader issue of unsecured firearms.

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