On Wednesday, a concerning incident unfolded when two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot near the White House in Washington, D.C. Authorities confirmed the event just a block away from the presidential residence.
Initially, West Virginia’s Governor Patrick Morrisey shared that both victims had succumbed to their injuries. However, he soon updated the information, stating, “We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information.”
The FBI director, Kash Patel, later indicated that both Guard members were critically hurt from the incident. He remarked that this case would be regarded as an assault on a federal law enforcement officer, with federal agencies joining forces with local law enforcement to dive deeper into the investigation.
Mayor Muriel Bowser mentioned that it looks like the shooting was a targeted attack.
After securing the scene, the National Guard apprehended a single suspect. Reports suggest the suspect also had gunshot wounds, but thankfully, those injuries do not seem life-threatening.
These Guard members were stationed in D.C. due to President Trump’s emergency call aimed at addressing rising crime issues in the capital, with hundreds of National Guard troops dispatched since August from various states, including West Virginia.
In response to this shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that President Trump intends to bolster the warrant group by dispatching an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington, D.C. Hegseth stated the demand came straight from the President to ensure that D.C. is safe and secure.
According to police, the shooting occurred around 17th and I Streets in D.C., and they advised people in the vicinity to steer clear of that area.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported that President Trump had been informed about the shooting while he was at his golf course in Palm Beach, Florida.
In a social media posting, the President referred to the assailant as an “animal”, vowing that they would “pay a very steep price.” He added, “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I am with you!”
Senator Chuck Schumer expressed his condolences on social media: “My heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting in Washington DC near the White House. I am closely monitoring the situation and praying for the wounded National Guardsmen and their families.”
This situation is developing, and more updates will follow.
