Two United States National Guardsmen from West Virginia were critically injured in a shooting near the White House on Wednesday, prompting a massive law enforcement response and heightened security in the US capital. Authorities have arrested one suspect, and investigations are ongoing.
Shooting Incident and Immediate Response
Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser described the attack as a targeted shooting. Emergency responders quickly secured the area near Farragut West metro station, treating the wounded guardsmen and taking the suspect into custody.
“I want to send my thoughts and prayers to the families of the guardsmen and to the guardsmen who are in critical condition in a local hospital,” Bowser said.
Initially, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey erroneously reported that both service members had died but later corrected his statement, citing conflicting information.
President Trump’s Response
President Donald Trump, who was at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida at the time, pledged via Truth Social that the perpetrator would face a “very steep price.”
Trump also addressed the situation in a video statement, linking the suspect to Afghanistan and announcing a review of US immigration and security protocols. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) halted processing of immigration requests from Afghan nationals pending security review.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed that 500 additional National Guardsmen would be deployed to Washington, DC, citing the attack as a matter of national security.
Investigation and Law Enforcement Actions
Authorities are treating the incident as a national security matter.
- Metropolitan Police Deputy Chief Jeffery Carroll stated that video footage indicated a lone gunman ambushed the guardsmen and was quickly detained.
- FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are fully mobilized to investigate and ensure accountability.
- The suspect was reportedly hospitalized following the arrest.
Context: National Guard Deployment in DC
The National Guard, a state-based military force, was deployed to Washington, DC, earlier this year for security purposes, including patrols of neighborhoods and transportation hubs.
- President Trump filed a 208-page emergency motion at the DC federal court to pause an earlier ruling ordering the withdrawal of National Guard members, which had been challenged as exceeding executive authority.
- Critics argue that federal troop deployment for domestic law enforcement may violate the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which limits the use of military personnel for civilian policing.
Since August, the National Guard has been stationed in DC to combat crime and maintain security, and lawmakers from both parties condemned the shooting.
“Praying for the National Guard members wounded in this horrific shooting,” said Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
“Thankful for the brave law enforcement officers and first responders who swiftly apprehended a suspect. There is no place for violence in America.”
Public Safety and Security Measures
The shooting prompted:
- Temporary cordoning of the area around Farragut West metro station.
- Deployment of additional police, Secret Service, and National Guard personnel.
- Emergency review of security protocols for National Guard operations and federal facilities.
The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, and officials are actively assessing potential threats to ensure public safety.
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