A Washington, D.C., physician shot and killed his building manager and wounded four others at a fitness center Thursday morning before taking his own life, ending a months-long dispute over mold and maintenance issues at his condominium building.
Attack at Logan Circle Gym
Dr. Matt Wade Lambert, 55, opened fire around 8 a.m. inside Vida gym in the Logan Circle neighborhood of Northwest Washington. Police identified the victim as James Stewart, 46, who managed Lambert’s apartment building. Two men and two women sustained injuries in the shooting. Lambert was later found dead in his apartment from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities confirmed.
The violence erupted in an upscale neighborhood known for its historic row houses and professional residents. The gym sits in a busy commercial area that draws morning crowds before the workday begins. Law enforcement responded to multiple emergency calls reporting gunfire at the facility.
Ongoing HOA Conflict
Investigators determined Lambert’s motive stemmed from an escalating conflict with the Metropole Condominium Association over maintenance failures and mold problems in his unit. The dispute had progressed to legal action, with Lambert filing a lawsuit against the association. Police said the building manager killed in the attack represented the association Lambert blamed for unresolved issues.
Minutes before the shooting, an account called “OfMiceandMold” on social media posted “My manifesto is an engineering report,” accompanied by documentation showing water intrusion and mold complaints. The account, which authorities believe belonged to Lambert, contained extensive photo and video evidence of alleged maintenance failures. One October post referenced an independent engineering report and accused the HOA of delay tactics.
Questions About Dispute Resolution
The shooting raises concerns about how homeowner associations handle maintenance disputes and when disagreements escalate beyond legal channels. Property management companies face increasing scrutiny over response times to health and safety complaints. Lambert’s documentation suggests he pursued formal complaint processes and hired professional inspectors before resorting to violence.
EJF Real Estate Services, which manages Lambert’s building, has not responded to requests for comment. The incident highlights the potential for seemingly routine property disputes to intensify when residents feel ignored or dismissed by management entities responsible for maintaining safe living conditions.