Organizers of DC Juneteenth event ‘deeply saddened’ over deadly shooting

Organizers of “Moechella” expressed their condolences over the deadly shooting that occurred in Washington, D.C., over the Juneteenth weekend festivities. 

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedies that occurred in the hours following Moechella on June 19th, 2022,” Long Live the GoGo, the organizers of Moechella, said in a statement on Tuesday. “We send our condolences to the victims and their families affected by this senseless tragedy and hope for a healthy recovery to those that were affected.” 

The organization, which refers to itself as a racial and social justice-led organization within the D.C. community, also said that the Moechella go-go festival has always been a peaceful protest, noting its purpose is to speak out on issues that are happening in the community including gun violence, police brutality and D.C. statehood. 

Long Live the GoGo also noted that gun violence has been a persistent issue in the city and said it will continue to push for “peace and equality” with their unique initiative. 

The Moechella go-go festival first gained national attention in 2019 as a protest after residents in the U Street neighborhood complained about go-go music, which originated in D.C., being played outdoors, according to The Washington Post. 

“The gun violence in D.C. has gotten out of control and we need to address this plague in our community at the root,” Long Live the GoGo said. “The violence that occurred is exactly what the Moechella demonstration is designed to address and prevent.” 

“We will continue to represent the heartbeat of D.C. culture and push for peace and equality,” the organization concluded in its statement. “Let’s continue to uplift each other and find ways to deal with and activate true change for peace and programming in the nation’s capital. And keep us safe.”

A 15-year-old male teen was shot and killed at Moechella at the intersection of the District’s popular 14th and U street corridors on Sunday when a gunman opened fire amid an altercation at the go-go festival. 

Authorities also said that three other individuals, including a Metropolitan Police Department officer, were injured in the incident. Police Chief Robert Contee said at a news conference that the “Moechella’ event did not have a proper permit to hold the event. 

The 15-year-old killed at the Juneteenth event was identified as Chase Poole, the Post reported.