A teenage girl was also injured as police searched for the gunman.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A local rapper was killed and a teenage girl was injured in a shooting inside a Northwest Washington apartment building Thursday night, prompting a citywide search for the suspect as investigators worked to determine what led to the violence.
Police identified the man who died as Adrian Hawkins, known in the local music community as TrapHard Swagg. Authorities said the teenage girl survived the shooting and was taken for medical treatment. The gunman remained at large late Thursday, leaving detectives focused on gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and establishing a timeline of events inside the apartment building.
Officers responded after reports of gunfire inside the residential building in Northwest Washington. When first responders arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Hawkins was pronounced dead after emergency crews reached the scene. The teenage victim was transported to a hospital for treatment. Investigators spent several hours securing the property, documenting evidence and speaking with residents who were inside or near the building at the time of the shooting. Authorities have not publicly disclosed what may have led to the gunfire or whether the victims knew the suspect. Police also have not said how many shots were fired or whether additional individuals were present when the shooting occurred.
Detectives continued working through the night as crime scene investigators collected evidence from the building and surrounding area. Officials have not released a suspect description, and no arrests had been announced as of late Thursday. The condition of the injured teenager was not immediately disclosed. Police have also not identified the victim’s age or explained her connection to Hawkins. Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage, interview additional witnesses and examine forensic evidence recovered from the scene. Authorities said the case remains active, with detectives pursuing leads that could help identify the shooter and determine the circumstances that resulted in the deadly attack.
Hawkins was known throughout portions of the Washington-area rap community under the stage name TrapHard Swagg. News of his death quickly spread among supporters and fellow artists, many of whom expressed shock and sadness. His death adds to a series of fatal shootings that have drawn attention to gun violence in residential neighborhoods across the District. While investigators have not indicated whether the shooting was targeted, the incident has raised questions about what occurred inside the building before gunfire erupted. Community members gathered information through social media posts and conversations with friends as they awaited further details from law enforcement officials.
The Metropolitan Police Department has not announced any criminal charges in connection with the case. Detectives are expected to continue reviewing physical evidence and witness statements in the coming days. Investigators will also work with prosecutors as they determine whether sufficient evidence exists to identify and charge a suspect. Officials have not announced a timetable for additional public updates, though police said the investigation remains ongoing. Any future arrest would likely be followed by court proceedings that could provide additional details about the events leading up to the shooting and the relationship between those involved.
Residents of the apartment building described a tense scene as police vehicles, flashing lights and crime scene tape surrounded portions of the property. Neighbors watched investigators move through the area while officers restricted access to parts of the building. Friends and supporters of Hawkins mourned the loss of a performer they knew through local music circles. The shooting left many residents searching for answers as authorities continued their investigation. For those living nearby, the violence transformed an ordinary evening into a crime scene that remained active long after emergency crews arrived.
The investigation remained active Thursday night, with police still searching for the shooter. Authorities said additional information could be released as detectives complete interviews, analyze evidence and continue efforts to identify the person responsible.
Author note: Last updated June 12, 2026.