Washington DC police in hours-long standoff with gunman who shot three officers: Live

The Humane Rescue Alliance conveyed their support for Washington, DC police, who arrived at the home to serve a warrant for animal cruelty. The stand-off has now reached hour nine.

“Our thoughts are with our partners at MPD who are being treated in the hospital and we are wishing them all the best in their recovery,” the group said in a statement. “We could not fulfill our mission without them. We are also concerned for the safety of the officers who remain on scene, the community members who continue to be affected, and the animals whom we were there to protect.”

Three police officers in Washington, DC, were shot as they attempted to serve an arrest warrant for cruelty to animals, authorities said.

The suspect, who has not yet been named, was barricaded in a house in the 5000 block of Hanna Place Southeast near Benning Road, police said at a press conference on Wednesday. Multiple loud gunshots could be heard, captured on neighbours’ home security systems.

Authorities say that around 7.30am the individual “refused to come outside” and as officers “attempted to gain entry, the individual fired upon them.” As of 4 pm local time the incident is ongoing.

Read more from The Independent’s Kelly Rissman and Mike Bedigan:

Police are now going on hour eight of the standoff with a Washington, DC man who has barricaded himself inside a Southeast home.

In their last update to the media, officials said a negotiator is on the scene speaking with the suspect. The three wounded officers were also reported to be in “good spirits” after they were transported to a local hospital.

“This shooting is yet another distressing and painful reminder of the toll gun violence is inflicting on families, on our communities and, obviously, on our nation,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Wednesday afternoon. Ms Jean-Pierre also said Joe Biden was praying for the officers to make full recoveries and called for more congressional action on guns.

Nearby KIPP DC LEAP Academy, a public charter school, released students early at 2 pm local time, according to Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith.

Meanwhile, two nearby elementary schools were also on lockdown this morning as the shooting unfolded in Southeast Washington, DC.

A negotiator is on scene to speak with the shooter who wounded three Washington, DC police officers and has since barricaded himself inside a home, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said around 2 pm local time.

“Sometimes he’s up, sometimes he’s down, but we’re still in communication with the subject,” Ms Smith said.

Two parents told NBC Washington about their concerns for their children as the shooting unfolds near two elementary schools.

“This is a magnitude of police cars I’ve never seen in my life,” one mother told the outlet.

“I’m outraged because my son goes right here to this school. I was coming to take him to school and wasn’t able to get through and I’m just like … I’m shocked. I’m really shocked,” another mother told NBC Washington.