Kaevaughn Dudley, a 17-year-old from Washington, D.C., was arrested on November 14, 2025, in connection with a shooting that took place during Howard University’s Homecoming event on October 24, 2025. The arrest and charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Dudley faces twenty counts in a criminal complaint, including five counts each of assault with intent to murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges relate to the five victims who were struck by gunfire at the event. Dudley appeared before Superior Court Judge Danya A. Dayson on Saturday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2025.
According to the arrest warrant, the incident occurred at approximately 8:22 p.m. as people gathered for Howard University Homecoming in the 600 block of Howard Place NW. A group of nine males dressed in black clothing and some wearing black face masks encountered a smaller group that included a 13-year-old victim and his friends. After an exchange between the groups—one asking “What’s up with y’all?” and receiving “Nothing” in response—the defendant was seen walking several paces away from the victim’s group before firing multiple shots using a handgun. Five people were shot, including the 13-year-old.
Metropolitan Police Department officers who were already present due to the homecoming event responded immediately after hearing gunshots. The five victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of gunshot wounds. One victim, identified as a Morgan State University student, is now paralyzed from the chest down because of injuries sustained during the shooting.
Police recovered three handguns at the scene: a privately made Polymer 80 firearm, a Smith and Wesson SD9 2.0 (9mm), and a Glock 19 (9mm). They also found one .40 caliber bullet and eight cartridge casings.
The announcement was made jointly with Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department, ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood, and Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police.
The investigation is being conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Metro Transit Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmanuel Hampton is prosecuting the case.
“A complaint or indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
