Federal charges filed after Valentine’s Day explosion sparked fire at Northeast Washington apartment building
Explosion and fire reported on Eastern Avenue NE
A man from Washington, D.C., is facing a federal prosecution after investigators alleged he set off an explosive device inside a Northeast D.C. apartment building on Valentine’s Day, triggering an explosion and a fire that displaced multiple residents.
The incident occurred on February 14, 2026, shortly after 4:30 p.m., when firefighters responded to a report of an explosion at 1424 Eastern Avenue NE and arrived to find the building heavily involved in fire. A woman injured in the blast was transported to a nearby hospital, where investigators reported locating shrapnel in her arm. Authorities also reported that 12 adults and three children escaped and were displaced, and that firefighters rescued a cat from the building.
What court filings describe about the alleged device
In court documents filed in connection with the case, witnesses described seeing a device in the moments before the blast and attributed it to Deyon Hampton Jr., who witnesses said sometimes stayed at the apartment. A witness described the item as a “tubular device” and characterized it as “dynamite.” Investigators documented extensive damage to the building, including through photographs included in the court record.
According to the complaint, a witness said that after the explosion they encountered Hampton as he was leaving the building and asked what had happened. The witness said Hampton smiled and made a statement interpreted as indicating he had targeted them.
Charge, detention status, and next court date
Hampton is charged federally with maliciously damaging or destroying commercial property using fire or an explosive. The court record did not describe a motive for the alleged act.
Authorities reported Hampton was being held without bond. A detention hearing in federal court was scheduled for Friday following the filing of the charge.
Key verified details
Date and time: February 14, 2026, shortly after 4:30 p.m.
Location: 1424 Eastern Avenue NE, Washington, D.C.
Reported harm: One woman injured; investigators reported shrapnel found in her arm.
Displacement: 12 adults and three children reported displaced.
Allegation: Witnesses attributed the explosive device to Deyon Hampton Jr.
Case status: Federal charge filed; detention hearing scheduled.
The case is at an early procedural stage, and the allegations outlined in the complaint will be tested through the federal court process.
Officials have not publicly detailed how the device was constructed, the precise type of explosive involved, or the full sequence of events inside the apartment immediately before the blast. The federal court proceedings are expected to clarify the evidence underlying the charge and the basis for continued detention.