Tenant shoots apartment manager, injures four others in Washington

A morning workout turned into a scene of chaos in Washington when a disgruntled tenant opened fire in an upscale neighbourhood, killing his building manager and injuring four other people before dying, according to reports.

Local media said the shooter was found dead after an apparent ⁠self-inflicted ‌gunshot wound.

The violence erupted about 2km north of the White House, triggering a sweeping response across the US capital as dozens of law enforcement vehicles rushed in and police helicopters circled overhead.

Washington’s interim police chief, Jeffery Carroll, told reporters the gunman was 55 and had been locked in a long-running maintenance dispute with the condominium association at the building where he owned an apartment.

The shooting was within walking distance of the White House

Mr Carroll said the man, an emergency medicine physician, first shot and killed the building manager inside a gym attached to the complex in the Logan Circle neighbourhood, then retreated to his seventh-floor unit and barricaded himself inside.

From his balcony, police said, he fired down at people on the street below, wounding four.

One victim remained in critical condition, while the other three were reported to have suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.

Authorities said the gunman also fired at least twice at police through the door of his apartment before he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Carroll said the shooter had pursued legal action against the homeowners association, arguing the condominium complex had not kept up with necessary building maintenance.

An X feed reportedly associated with the gunman contained repeated complaints about mold and water damage.

The final entry, described as a “manifesto,” was an engineering report laying out alleged problems in his apartment.

The man fatally shot the building manager in a gym attached to the complex

Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the incident, calling it a “senseless act of gun violence.”

The shooting unfolded during the busy morning rush hour, snarling traffic as police sealed off nearby streets and evacuated residents from the area.

The Washington Sun quoted a member of the VIDA Fitness gym saying he was on a treadmill when the gunfire began.

Michael Carney told the newspaper he heard a “pop” and then noticed someone lying on the gym floor.

“Everyone was kind of just hiding behind planters and stuff,” Mr Carney said, according to The Sun.

Logan Circle is among Washington’s most expensive neighbourhoods, known for chic restaurants and nightlife spots.

It is also located a short distance from an area with a heavy concentration of foreign embassies.