Two members of the National Guard were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House, officials confirmed, prompting an immediate lockdown of government buildings in Washington, D.C. A suspect is in custody and law enforcement has launched a full investigation.
The shooting occurred near the Farragut West Metro Station, around 17th and I Street, just a few blocks from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The victims are both members of the West Virginia National Guard, deployed to D.C. as part of a multi‑state operation supporting federal and local law enforcement.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported they had died, but later walked back that statement, saying the condition of the guardsmen remained unclear. “We are receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we have more complete information,” the governor said.
Authorities say a suspect has been detained, and the scene is secure. A spokesperson for the National Guard task force in D.C. said they were coordinating with the Metropolitan Police Department and federal agencies on the investigation.
The shooting comes as thousands of National Guard troops continue deployments across Washington under directives from President Trump, aimed at combating rising crime. Vice President JD Vance later called for prayers for the wounded soldiers, calling them “the sword and the shield of the United States.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and other officials confirmed their department is working closely with local law enforcement.
White House buildings and nearby federal facilities locked down following the attack. President Trump, currently in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday, condemned the attack on social media, calling the suspect an “animal” and vowing that he will “pay a very steep price.” The FBI announced Director Kash Patel was on scene and confirmed the bureau is active in the investigation.
The shooting underscores growing concerns about security even in the heart of the nation’s capital, raising questions about the safety of federal personnel and the effectiveness of law‑enforcement deployments.
