Two US National Guardsmen were seriously injured in a targeted shooting near the White House. FBI, DC Police and federal agencies are involved in the investigation. The suspect is in custody. The incident has sparked a new controversy over Washington’s security and National Guard deployment.
Washington DC Targeted Attack: The shooting that took place in Washington DC on Wednesday evening has shaken the security arrangements of the US capital. Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were seriously injured in the attack just two blocks northwest of the White House. Immediately after the incident, FBI, Secret Service and Metropolitan Police reached the spot and started a high-level investigation. Officials have called it a “targeted shooting” in the initial investigation, after which the matter has become more sensitive.
A senior law enforcement official said the suspected attacker is in custody and his bullet wounds are not life-threatening. The officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said surveillance footage showed the shooter approaching the soldiers and suddenly taking out his weapon and firing.
The condition of both guards is critical
According to DC Fire and Emergency Services, both Guardsmen were given CPR and emergency treatment and were taken to a nearby hospital, where their condition was listed as critical. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially shared information about the soldiers’ deaths, but later retracted it, saying his office was receiving “disparate reports.” This statement increased the confusion regarding the incident.
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Suspect also injured, in custody; FBI is trying to find out the motive
According to officials, the suspect was also injured by the bullet. It is not clear whether he was shot by Guardsmen or police, but officials believe at least one soldier returned fire. The investigating agencies are now trying to find out whether the attacker targeted the soldiers for any specific reason or it was part of some other larger motive. Since the incident took place very close to the White House, security agencies are considering it as a high-threat category and are carrying forward the investigation.
Witnesses told that two bullets were fired, then there was chaos.
Stacey Walters, who was near the incident site, said, “I was sitting in the car when I heard two loud noises. People suddenly started running and within seconds police and fire units were spread across the area.” Video viral on social media showed first responders performing CPR on one soldier and treating another on the sidewalk. Other security forces deployed nearby immediately sealed the area.
National Guard deployment is already in controversy
The deployment of the National Guard in Washington DC has been a major political issue for the past several months. More than 300 West Virginia National Guard personnel were deployed to the city in August. Last week, about 160 of them had voluntarily agreed to extend their deployment till the end of the year, while the rest had returned. Meanwhile, a federal judge recently ordered the removal of the Guard, but also gave the Trump administration 21 days to prepare. At such a time, this attack is further intensifying the security and policy debate.
Strong reaction from Trump and Vice President Vance
President Donald Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, warned the attacker on social media that whoever opened fire on the Guardsman would “pay a very heavy price.” Vice President J.D. Vance, addressing troops at Fort Campbell, said the incident was a reminder that “Soldiers—whether active duty, Reserve or Guard—are the nation’s sword and shield.” He appealed to citizens to pray for the two injured Guardsmen.
Security increased in the city, many agencies deployed on the spot
After the incident, the entire area was sealed with police tape. ATF, FBI, Secret Service and National Guard personnel remained deployed at the scene for hours. A helicopter landed on the National Mall, while drones and camera units collected footage from nearby angles. It is clear that the Washington DC administration and federal agencies are viewing this incident not just as a small shooting, but as a potential security threat. As the investigation progresses, it will become clear whether this attack was the result of a personal dispute or part of a broader objective. At present, the eyes of the entire America are fixed on the condition of two injured Guardsmen, whose doctors are making continuous efforts to save their lives.