1-Year-Old Black Girl Shot in Washington, DC, Now in Critical Condition

A’Zouri, a 1-year-old African American girl, is in critical condition after being shot outside her Southeast, Washington D.C. home. She was hit by stray bullets and now needs multiple surgeries to survive. Police are still looking for the shooters.

The shooting happened Monday evening on Yuma Street SE. According to police, three people drove by and opened fire. A’Zouri was sitting outside at the time and was hit twice — once in the back and once in the arm. One bullet tore through an artery.

She was rushed to the hospital, where she is now on a ventilator and fighting for her life, as reported by NBC Washington.

Her mother is devastated. “For her to go through this is just insane. She’s only a baby and hasn’t even grown up yet,” the mother said, “I wish she wouldn’t have to go through this; I wish I could take her spot. My precious baby.”

A’Zouri’s grandmother added, “Our family is broken. We will never be the same again.”

Investigators believe A’Zouri was not the intended target and was caught in the crossfire.

As doctors work to save her, the family is asking for prayers. Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.

This is one of several recent shootings involving children in D.C. In June, 3-year-old Honesty Cheadle was also killed when someone fired into her family’s car on 14th Street SE.