Washington, D.C. – A tragic shooting at the Vida Fitness center on Thursday morning left four patrons injured and claimed the life of building manager James Stewart, 46. Police say the gunman, 55‑year‑old Dr. Matt Lambert, had been fighting a court case against his apartment’s management over mold and moisture problems in his seventh‑floor penthouse.
Events inside the gym
Witnesses inside the gym reported hearing a loud pop that initially sounded like a dropped weight. “I thought it was a weight, but then I realized it was a gunshot,” one patron recounted. Gym members fled to a nearby laundry room, where roughly 30 to 40 people barricaded themselves until a SWAT team arrived and escorted them to safety.
Another eyewitness, Max Smith, described the chaos: “Eventually we hear three or four more shots. From there, we just started sprinting.” The gunfire continued as the suspect fired from his apartment balcony, striking four additional individuals.
Police findings
Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that the suspect shot the victims from his patio balcony and later broke the gas line to his apartment’s fireplace, igniting a fire before turning the weapon on himself. Lambert was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet determined any personal connection between the victims and the shooter. “At this point in time, we don’t know if there is a relationship between those other four victims and the suspect,” Chief Carroll said.
Legal dispute background
Court records reveal that Lambert had been engaged in an ongoing legal battle with his building’s management over alleged mold and moisture issues in his penthouse. The dispute had been filed months earlier and remained unresolved at the time of the shooting.
While the motive for the attack remains under investigation, the timing of the incident raises questions about the stress and frustration stemming from the landlord‑tenant conflict.
Community response
Local officials expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged residents to remain vigilant. “Our thoughts are with those affected by this senseless act of violence,” a spokesperson for the D.C. mayor’s office said. The city has activated additional resources to support the victims and to ensure the safety of public gathering places.
Police continue to investigate the incident, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together a full account of the events leading up to the shooting.
Safety measures for local gyms
In the wake of the tragedy, several gym owners in the district are reviewing their emergency protocols. Experts recommend clear evacuation routes, regular safety drills, and coordination with local law‑enforcement agencies to improve response times during crises.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity and to stay informed about safety resources offered by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
