Two National Guard members from West Virginia are in critical condition after being shot in a violent incident near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The shooting occurred just blocks from the presidential residence, sending shockwaves through the city and prompting a lockdown of the White House grounds as President Donald Trump was away in Florida for Thanksgiving.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The attack took place at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET near the Farragut West Metro station, a busy area popular with office workers and tourists. Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots and seeing people fleeing in panic. One eyewitness, Stacy Walters, said she was in her car when she heard two loud bangs and saw bystanders running for cover. Another, Mike Ryan, observed two National Guard members lying on the ground, with others attempting to administer aid as law enforcement converged on the scene.
A suspect, described as a man in a hooded sweatshirt, was apprehended after being shot four times by responding officers, according to Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll. The suspect was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The type of firearm used remains under investigation.
Official Statements and National Reaction
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the two National Guard members are in critical condition and pledged that the FBI would spare no resources to bring the attacker to justice. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called the shooting a “targeted attack” and expressed her condolences to the families of the injured troops. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported that both guardsmen had died, but later clarified that conflicting reports were circulating and that their status was still being confirmed.
President Trump, who was briefed on the incident, described the suspect as an “animal” and vowed that he would “pay a steep price” for the attack. The White House press secretary confirmed that the building was placed on lockdown during the investigation, though Trump was not present at the time.
Background and Broader Impact
The National Guard members were part of a 2,188-strong deployment to Washington, D.C., initiated by the Trump administration in August 2025 as part of a federal takeover aimed at reducing crime in the capital. Their presence has been a contentious issue, sparking debates over military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
The shooting has reignited national conversations about gun violence, the safety of military personnel in public roles, and the ongoing challenges facing Washington, D.C. Eyewitnesses expressed disbelief that such violence could erupt in the heart of the nation’s capital, especially as the city prepared for the holiday season.
Next Steps and Ongoing Investigation
The FBI, ATF, and Department of Homeland Security are leading the investigation, with multiple agencies coordinating to determine the motive and gather evidence. The suspect remains in custody, and officials are working to identify any potential accomplices or underlying motives for the attack.
