DC Police refute viral claims of missing women; advocates urge social media caution

WUSA9
Alexis Wainwright
June 28, 2025

D.C. police are pushing back against a wave of social media posts claiming a surge in young women recently reported missing in the District, calling the viral content inaccurate.

The department confirmed Saturday that while concerns have been raised online, there is no verified uptick in missing person cases.

The Metropolitan Police Department released a full statement saying:

“The Metropolitan Police Department is not observing an increase in Missing Persons cases. Several videos posted on social media inaccurately claim there is an increase in young women being reported missing in recent days.”

MPD’s Missing Persons Unit vigorously investigates every missing person report, and closed more than 99% of cases in 2024. On average, more than five Critical Missing Person cases occur daily. 919 Critical Missing Person cases have been closed this year.

MPD is a leader in reporting missing persons cases, with each Critical Missing Person flier posted on our X channel and on our website, missing.dc.gov.

“Anyone with information on a missing person case should contact MPD immediately at 202-727-9099 or via text at 50411,” MPD officials said.

Natalie Wilson, co-founder of the Black and Missing Foundation, said she agrees.

“We have not seen an increase in cases or reports from families or the community,” Wilson said. “But we are keeping an eye on the issue.”

Several widely shared videos sparked online concern, alleging a spike in disappearances. In response, local nonprofits are using the moment to educate the public about how missing persons cases are handled and why misinformation can be harmful.

“It’s very hurtful,” said Henderson Long, CEO of D.C.’s Missing Voices, a nonprofit and private investigation group. “You have doubters, you have people who think this is another hoax.”

Long, who has worked for nearly two decades to help locate missing people, says he’s seen similar misinformation spread in the past — including the same photos being recycled from years-old cases.

“It takes away from the work, but I don’t get frustrated,” he said. “This is just a time, I think, to educate.”

Both Long and Wilson emphasized that while social media can be a powerful tool, it’s important that users verify information before sharing.

“There’s so much information on social media, and quite frankly, with AI, we don’t know what to believe,” Wilson said. “With our organization, we verify every single case before it’s uploaded to our database and shared on social media.”

Wilson added that cases involving missing people of color often receive little attention — one of the reasons her organization was founded.

“We use this as an opportunity to continue the conversation around missing people of color,” she said. “Typically, these cases are under the radar.”

Long echoed that sentiment.

“Especially young women of color and people of color — they deserve the same awareness,” he said.

D.C. police say that on average, more than five critical missing person cases are reported each day in the District. So far this year, 919 cases have been closed, with a closure rate of 99% in 2024.

“If you want to help,” Long said, “check with the police.”

For verified information and resources, the public is encouraged to visit blackandmissinginc.com or contact local authorities directly.

Photo credit: WUSA9