A repeat offender in a non-fatal shooting was sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on March 5 after accepting a plea deal.
Thomas Carter, 27, was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence due to his involvement in the non-fatal shooting of an unidentified victim on the 2300 block of Washington Place NE on Sept. 24, 2025. This is Carter’s third firearm conviction.
Carter should be lucky “no one was hurt or even killed,” Judge Arthur said. He sentenced Carter to three-and-a-half years plus three years supervised release for the assault charge, and 20 months plus three years supervised release for the possession charge. Additionally, the defendant will be registered as a firearm offender in DC for two years after his supervised release ends. All convictions will be served concurrently.
In December, Carter pleaded guilty to both assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In exchange, prosecutors agreed not to seek indictments on any other charges relating to the incident.
At sentencing, prosecutors asked Judge Arthur to impose a harsh sentence due to Carter’s criminal record. Additionally, prosecutors highlighted the violent nature of Carter’s actions, firing off 21 rounds in a street lined with businesses and passing cars.
The prosecution requested that the defendant receive 44 months with three years of supervised release for the assault charge, and 20 months with three years of supervised release for the possession charge.
Defense attorney Justin Okezie didn’t offer excuses for the defendant’s actions, calling them “very concerning.” However, he stated there was context for what Carter did. He felt threatened by a man with whom he had previously been in conflict, Ozezie said.
Okezie claimed that in instances where the police are not present to protect citizens, people can feel compelled to protect themselves, however necessary.
According to Okezie, Carter was “extremely remorseful” about the events and never intended to hurt any innocent bystanders.
The defense asked for the lowest range of sentencing possible under the voluntary guidelines.
Carter chose not to comment before the judge made the sentencing decision.
