Chaos erupted along the I-495 near Washington, D.C. as multiple emergency crews rushed to reports of a mass stabbing that left at least four people wounded, according to early information from the scene.
First responders flooded the Beltway after frantic calls reported a suspect attacking people along the busy highway. Witnesses described traffic grinding to a standstill as sirens echoed across the outer loop and emergency personnel worked amid widespread panic.
Authorities say at least four victims were stabbed and received medical attention at the scene. The suspect has reportedly been taken down, though officials have not yet released details about the individual’s identity or how the incident was stopped.
As of the latest updates, all outer loop lanes remain closed, creating massive delays and turning one of the most heavily traveled corridors in the region into a locked-down crime scene. Law enforcement has not established a motive and says the investigation is still in its early stages.
The timing of the attack has raised alarm, marking the second major violent incident within 24 hours near the nation’s capital, following the deadly bar shooting in Austin that left multiple people dead and injured. While no connection has been confirmed, the back-to-back violence has intensified concerns about public safety and escalating instability.
Officials are urging the public to avoid the area and remain vigilant as investigators work to piece together what led to the attack. This remains a developing situation, and authorities say additional details will be released as they become available.
