UPDATED 6:15 P.M.

Last night, the District experienced the deadliest act of neighborhood violence in at least 16 years. Thus far, there has been no word on a mayoral press conference.

That’s out of character for Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. For instance, when a shooting last fall killed two and wounded three in the Clay Terrace neighborhood in Northeast, Fenty was on the scene soon afterward.

Over the weekend, Fenty and his wife Michelle traveled to Jamaica, where she addressed the Barbican Pines Optimists Club. It is unclear whether he’s returned or not. This week is spring break for the D.C. Public Schools, which the mayor’s sons attend, but Hizzoner is expected to unveil his FY2011 budget tomorrow.

A mayoral spokesperson declined to discuss the mayor’s whereabouts this afternoon.

It’s understandable that Fenty might not want to compete for media attention or answer questions about the candidacy of D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray, who announced a mayoral run yesterday. But this might be a moment where D.C. voters are looking for some answers from the top.

UPDATE, 6:15 P.M.: A press conference is scheduled for 9:15 this evening.

Photo by Darrow Montgomery