Student on zoo shooting charges

Flowers were left at the zoo's entrance

The 16-year-old suspected of shooting seven people at the US National Zoo in Washington will be charged as an adult.

A spokesman for the US Attorney's office said Antoine Jones, a high school student, would be charged as an adult with assault with intent to kill.

Our country still has too much violence, too much crime

President Bill Clinton

The teenager, who was arrested without incident at the home of a relative in north-east Washington, is to appear in the District of Columbia Superior Court on Wednesday, the spokesman said.

The police allege that on Monday, the lone gunman opened fire on a crowd with a handgun, leaving an 11-year-old boy critically wounded and six other young people injured.

Local media reported that police used a battering jam to break into the house, where the suspect was found hiding behind a water heater in the basement and detained without incident.

A shotgun was found at the scene, but police were still looking for the 9mm handgun believed to have been used in the incident.

Gang fight

The shooting broke out after a feud between two rival gangs of youths who had been visiting the zoo turned violent.

A visitor comforts her son after the shooting

Situated in one of Washington's wealthiest neighbourhoods, the zoo had been hosting an African-American family day.

Just as it was closing, gunfire erupted between two groups of teenage boys who had been taunting each other during the tour.

Police said it was too early to say if the suspect was a gang member.

Boy's condition

The 11-year-old boy who was the most seriously injured remains in a grave condition at the Children's National Medical Centre.

"Although the child remains in critical condition, a repeat CT scan of the head continues stable," said Dr Martin Eichelberger, director of trauma services at the hospital.

A 12-year-old girl remained in hospital with pelvis injuries. The other children have been released.

As a mark of respect to the victims, the normally crowded zoo closed on Tuesday.

The shootings shocked the nation's capital, which in recent years had been shaking off its reputation as one of America's most dangerous cities.

At a White House meeting, US President Bill Clinton condemned the shooting, calling it a "senseless act".

"Our country still has too much violence, too much crime."