Doctor, in fight with HOA over condition of $1M apartment, opens fire in DC killing one and injuring four

Doctor, in fight with HOA over condition of $1M apartment, opens fire in DC killing one and injuring four One witness described seeing a deceased person in ‘a pool of blood’ - Bookmark Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A doctor opened fire inside a gym in Washington, D.C.’s upscale Logan Circle neighborhood Thursday, killing one person and injuring four others following what police described as a “conflict” with his homeowners association. Dr. Matt Lambert was identified as the shooter by NBC News and The Washington Sun, citing law enforcement sources . He had reportedly filed a lawsuit against Metropole Condominium Association last year, alleging that building repairs had left his $1 million home in the capital riddled with mold. The shooting took place Thursday morning at VIDA Fitness — which is located in the same building as Lambert’s apartment — sending dozens of gym-goers fleeing into the street in sneakers and workout clothes. Officers in tactical gear converged on the surrounding blocks, lined with homes, bars and coffee shops. Police cornered Lambert in his apartment on the seventh floor where they said he fired shots at them. An hour after he barricaded himself, Lambert took his own life. The name of the person killed and the four injured have not been released. Police continue to investigate the shooting that rocked the nation’s capital and happened just a mile from the White House. One witness inside the gym described seeing a deceased person in “a pool of blood.” Another said “the people in cardio had to step over the body.” A third added: “It was actually horrific.” Dispute with HOA While details are still emerging, officials noted Lambert had a dispute with his building and were investigating the connection. “We believe there was some sort of conflict with the apartment building, but we don’t have much more than that,” Interim Chief of Police for the Metropolitan Police Department Jeff Carroll said at a press conference. “That will be part of the continuing investigation.” Reporters asked about an apparent “manifesto” allegedly linked to the suspect that was circulating online. The document, which names Dr. Matt Lambert, states that the Metropole Condominium Association failed to address issues in his building, including “facade wall defects” and “suspected microbial growth.” On Wednesday, the X account that shared the document wrote: “Two years of living in luxury (and the start of 6 months with no shower, dryer, HVAC, and cooking).” Carroll declined to comment on the issues, citing the ongoing investigation. Ward 2 Council Member Brooke Pinto, who represents Logan Circle, told NBC News that early information indicated the gunman had targeted a specific person at the gym “that he had been in active litigation with over a condo issue.” “It's just so sad and so senseless,” she added, “to kill someone over a dispute that should be worked out reasonably.” Attack at the gym Shots rang out in VIDA Fitness Logan Circle, located about a mile from the White House, around 8 a.m. A witness estimated that about 50 people were inside at the time, lifting weights and running on treadmills. At first, some mistook the gunfire for everyday gym noises. “I’m thinking a bouncy ball popped, or maybe like a painting fell on the floor,” gym-goer Anthony Moronez told NBC News. Moments later, he spotted a man lying on the floor. People rushed to help but realized his injuries were too severe. “We heard gunshots, I think about two, and then by the time we looked there was a guy on the floor,” another gym-goer James Spellman told The Washington Sun. “I just think it’s really sad to have someone that young — instantly his life vanished.” As fire alarms blared, gym-goers fled the building and sought shelter in nearby businesses. Police responded within 30 seconds of the first shots, Chief Carroll said during the press conference. Photos showed dozens of police vehicles, including armored cars, in the neighborhood and law enforcement personnel carrying long guns. The suspect reportedly left the gym, fired more shots outside and fled to a nearby apartment building where he is believed to live. He then “barricaded” himself inside an apartment on the seventh floor, where he fired additional shots. He reportedly possessed a handgun. “Our negotiators with their emergency response team were also able to make contact with the suspect inside of the apartment,” Carroll told reporters. “While communicating with that individual, officers heard a gunshot,” Carroll said. “As a response to that, officers forced entry into the apartment. When they did that, they located the suspect suffering from a gunshot wound.” Police did not clarify what condition the suspect was in, only saying he was “contained” and that emergency services were rendered. CNN reported that the suspect died, though police have not confirmed this. The Independent has contacted the Metropolitan Police Department for comment. Around 11:30 a.m., police declared the area safe and announced that a reunification area had been established. Nearby schools lifted their lockdowns and resumed normal operations. VIDA Fitness announced it will remain closed “until further notice.” “A life was lost in this unthinkable tragedy and I’m sending my sincere condolences to all the victims, their families, and DC residents living through this fear,” DC Mayor-elect Janeese Lewis George wrote on X. In 2026, there have been 479 mass shootings in the United States, according to the online database Mass Shooting Tracker.