‘Hero’ D.C. Metro Employee Killed While Trying To Stop Gunman

Daniel ChaitinFebruary 1, 2023

A D.C. Metro After he died trying to stop the gunman at a train station on Wednesday morning, three others were also injured in the rampage, a worker has been hailed as a hero.

According to police, the 64-year old mechanic Robert Cunningham was shot and killed in an altercation between a man and a woman at the Potomac Avenue station in Washington, D.C.

“His heroism has to be recognized here today,” Ashan Benedict, executive assistant chief police of the Metropolitan Police Department, stated this during a press conference that was held with Muriel Bowser, D.C. Mayor, and other participants.

While investigators still try to piece together the events, including the motive, Benedict said that the gunman appeared not to have been Benedict. “agitated” About something. Benedict stated that the police believe that the gunman shot someone in the leg while riding on a Metrobus, before shooting another person who was trying to buy a farecard at the station.

Benedict stated that Cunningham had been shot and that the second employee appeared to have de-escalated the situation. Benedict stated that the gunman got on board a train and did not leave the station before others tackled him. The man was taken into custody by police officers upon their arrival.

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Benedict said the wounded victims — three in total, including someone with an injured finger — were receiving treatment. Their injuries are not life-threatening. Benedict called for witnesses to help with the investigation.

The nation’s capital The year began with alarmingly high levels of crime. In a statement, Randy Clarke, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority general manager and CEO, called for an end to gun violence while also recognizing Cunningham’s sacrifice.

“Today, I feel profound sadness about the loss of our Metro family member, Robert Cunningham. We grieve for our employee, his family, and all who have been affected by this senseless tragedy,” He stated. “I appreciate the outpouring of support Metro has received today. Gun violence must stop. Unfortunately, Metro is not immune to the violence that our country is experiencing right now. These senseless acts must be addressed together by our leaders and community. We will take time to process this loss and take care of our employees. We are all hurting and will continue to lean on each other for support.”

Metro stated that it reduced its flags to half-staff as a tribute to Cunningham.

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International President John Costa also praised Cunningham. “I want to express our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family and the loved ones of our fallen hero brother, who was tragically shot to death trying to stop the shooter,” Costa made the statement in a statement.

Other recent incidents of violence involving workers and transit centers in Baltimore and D.C. are also highlighted. ATU It wrote a letter to Pete Buttigieg (Transport Secretary) last week “urging DOT to act immediately to address the national transit worker safety crisis.”