National Guard Troops Shot Near White House in Targeted Attack; Suspect in custody
Two members of the West Virginia National Guard are in critical condition after being shot near the White House on Wednesday in what authorities are calling a “targeted shooting.” The suspect has been taken into custody, according to multiple officials.
Washington, D.C. Mayor muriel Bowser addressed reporters,expressing her concern for the injured service members.”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,” she stated.
Initial reports regarding the troops’ condition were conflicting. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially announced on social media that both service members had died, a statement he later retracted, explaining he had received “conflicting reports” about the situation. He previously pledged accountability, stating, “These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice,and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act.”
Former US President Donald Trump responded to the incident via his online platform, Truth Social, vowing a severe outcome for the perpetrator. “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price,” Trump wrote. He added, “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement.These are truly Great people. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
The shooting is being investigated as a matter of national security, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. “We have assembled the full force of both the federal and state and local law enforcement agencies to bring all of our resources to make sure we find the perpetrators responsible for this heinous act,” Patel said.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed the call for support, stating, “Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington DC.”
Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief jeffery Carroll detailed the initial response, explaining, “We have reviewed video from the area. It appears to be a lone gunman that raised the firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard, and he was quickly taken into custody.” The police initially advised the public to avoid the area near the Farragut West metro station, but later confirmed the scene was “secured.”
The incident occurs amidst a backdrop of heightened political violence in the United States, following the assassination of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk in September and the killing of Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman in june.
The National Guard, a state-based military force, was deployed to washington, D.C. in August by Trump as part of an effort to combat crime.These troops have been patrolling neighborhoods and transportation hubs, typically in small groups. However, a federal judge, Jia Cobb, recently ruled to suspend the deployment, citing concerns that Trump had exceeded his executive authority. This order is currently paused for 21 days pending appeal.
Lawmakers from both parties condemned the shooting. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated on X, “Praying for the National Guard members wounded in this horrific shooting. Thankful for the brave law enforcement officers and first responders who swiftly apprehended a suspect. There is no place for viole
Reader question:– What is the role of the National Guard in Washington, D.C.? The National Guard was deployed to the city in August to combat crime. They patrol neighborhoods and transportation hubs. A federal judge recently ruled to suspend the deployment, citing concerns about executive authority.
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