Police arrested a 21-year-old man on murder and firearm charges while investigators continued searching for a second suspected shooter.
MANASSAS, Va. — A 16-year-old girl was killed after she was caught in an exchange of gunfire during a crowded First Friday event in Old Town Manassas, where thousands of people had gathered near the city’s historic train station, police said.
The shooting happened at about 9:30 p.m. Sept. 4 near the railroad tracks and Manassas train station. Investigators believe two people exchanged gunfire before leaving the immediate area. Police said the teenage girl was not involved in the confrontation and was an innocent bystander. A 21-year-old man was also wounded during the shooting.
Police later arrested Tasheem Douglas, 21, of Prince William County, and said investigators believe he fired the shot that struck the girl. Douglas has been charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a felon. The charges are allegations, and the case has not been adjudicated.
Douglas was also shot during the incident and received treatment at a hospital, according to information released through Manassas City and Manassas Park Crime Solvers. Police initially reported a wounded 21-year-old man before later identifying Douglas as one of the suspected shooters. Investigators continued searching for the second person believed to have exchanged gunfire with him.
The shooting occurred as First Friday brought a large crowd into the Old Town district. Police Chief Doug Keen said about 10,000 people were downtown for the event, which includes entertainment, businesses and other activities around the historic commercial area. Witnesses described hearing shots and seeing people run toward or away from the train station as confusion spread through the crowd.
A 14-year-old attendee, London Rice, told WUSA that he heard gunshots and saw people running toward the train station. As he moved away from the area, he saw someone attempting CPR on the teenage victim. Another attendee told the station she initially mistook the sounds for fireworks before realizing people around her were fleeing.
Keen said the preliminary investigation showed that the gunfire involved two adults and that the teen was caught in the middle. Investigators have not publicly established what prompted the confrontation. Police also have not announced the identity of the second suspected shooter or said whether additional people may face charges.
“Right now the investigation is focused on the second shooter and anyone else that may be involved,” Keen told NBC Washington during an update on the case. He said investigators were working broadly to determine whether anyone beyond the two suspected shooters played a role. Police have continued asking people who were downtown to provide photographs, cellphone recordings, security video and other material that could assist detectives.
The victim was a student at Patriot High School, according to a letter from the school’s principal cited by NBC Washington. Police have not publicly released her name because she was a juvenile. The school made counselors available to students and staff as the community returned following the holiday weekend.
A memorial grew near the Manassas train station in the days after the shooting, with community members leaving flowers, candles, stuffed animals and notes for the teen. Residents also gathered at vigils to remember her and support her family. The killing drew particular attention because the girl had not been identified by investigators as a participant in the dispute that led to the gunfire.
Police said the investigation remains active. As of Sept. 9, Douglas was the only person publicly charged in connection with the teen’s death, and authorities were still seeking the second suspected shooter. Investigators have not released a motive for the confrontation or announced whether further arrests are expected.
Author note: Last updated September 9, 2026.