Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is speaking out following last month’s shooting inside a Giant Food store in Germantown, calling the incident “serious and frightening” while emphasizing the importance of recent public safety investments.
The shooting occurred on March 20, 2026, at approximately 8:40pm at the Giant located in the 18300 block of Leaman Farm Road. According to Montgomery County Police, two suspects entered the store, and about one minute later, the victim walked inside. Police say both suspects, armed, began chasing the individual through the store.
The pursuit continued toward the front of the store, where numerous shoppers and employees were present. During the chaos, one of the suspects fired multiple shots, striking the victim. Both suspects fled immediately after the shooting.
Authorities have since arrested two teenagers in connection with the incident. Nineteen-year-old Marcus Isaiah Jovon Braithwaite of Germantown and a 16-year-old from Montgomery Village are both facing charges of attempted first-degree murder.
In his weekly update, Elrich acknowledged the severity of the situation while expressing relief that the victim survived. “I want to acknowledge a shooting that happened at the Giant Food in Germantown while I was away. This was a serious and frightening incident, and I’m grateful that the victim survived,” Elrich said.
He also highlighted the response from law enforcement, noting that the Montgomery County Police Department acted quickly to apprehend the suspects. “I also want to recognize the quick, coordinated response that helped bring this situation under control. This week, the Montgomery County Police Department arrested the suspects involved,” he wrote.
Elrich went on to commend the actions of store employees and customers who were inside during the shooting. “The employees at Giant Food handled an incredibly stressful situation with professionalism, and customers in the store responded in a way that helped keep others safe,” he said.
The County Executive used the incident to underscore ongoing investments in public safety, including officer training, technology, and recruitment efforts. “This response shows the value of the investments we’ve been making in public safety. We’ve focused on providing our officers with the training, technology, and support they need to respond effectively in moments like these,” Elrich wrote. “We’ve also worked to make sure we are recruiting and retaining officers by offering competitive compensation, because experience and stability matter in this work.”
He added that community relationships remain a key component of effective policing.“Just as important, our officers are part of this community. They build relationships, they know the neighborhoods they serve, and that trust makes a difference when something goes wrong,” Elrich said.
Elrich concluded by reaffirming the county’s commitment to continued investment in public safety and community partnerships “We’re going to keep making those investments and supporting our officers, because keeping people safe requires preparation, partnership, and a strong connection between law enforcement and the community.”
