National Guard Members Shot in Washington D.C., Investigation Ongoing
In a troubling incident Wednesday, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot near the Farragut Metro Station in Washington D.C., approximately one mile from the White House. The shooting prompted an immediate response from law enforcement, with D.C. Metro Police quickly apprehending one suspect. The incident initially caused confusion regarding the condition of the guardsmen, with West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey prematurely announcing their deaths before retracting his statement due to “conflicting reports.” The governor expressed that the state’s prayers were with “these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community” as officials worked to confirm accurate information about their conditions.
The shooting triggered security protocols across Washington, including a lockdown at the White House, though President Trump was not on the premises at the time. Both Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel received briefings about the incident, with federal authorities taking over the investigation. While details about the suspect’s identity and potential motives remain undisclosed, the FBI maintained a presence at the scene as they gathered evidence and coordinated with local law enforcement. The shooting occurred against the backdrop of enhanced National Guard presence in the capital, with approximately 2,200 troops deployed from various states including the District of Columbia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama.
Former President Trump responded to the incident on Truth Social, expressing solidarity with the victims and strong emotions about the shooter. “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 his support for the National Guard and all military and law enforcement personnel, calling them “truly Great People” and affirming that “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
The shooting adds to growing security concerns in the nation’s capital, coming shortly after another security incident at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, which was also placed on lockdown due to an active threat report. These events follow recent discussions about increasing security measures around key government institutions, with the White House reportedly pushing for a $58 million security enhancement following previous security breaches. The timing of these incidents has heightened tensions among security officials who continue to evaluate potential threats to government personnel and installations throughout the Washington area.
The West Virginia National Guard members’ shooting represents a deeply concerning development for military personnel serving in domestic capacities. National Guard troops are regularly deployed in Washington D.C. for various missions, including ceremonial duties, training exercises, and providing additional security during times of heightened alert. The attack on uniformed service members has resonated deeply with the military community nationwide, with commanders across various branches expressing solidarity with the injured guardsmen and their families while awaiting further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
As the investigation continues, authorities have promised transparency regarding their findings, though many questions remain unanswered about the shooter’s motivation and whether the guardsmen were specifically targeted. Security protocols across federal buildings in Washington have been temporarily enhanced while officials assess whether the incident represents an isolated attack or potentially signals broader threats. Community leaders in both Washington D.C. and West Virginia have called for unity and support for the injured guardsmen and their families during this difficult time, with various organizations establishing support funds to assist with recovery efforts and family needs during the guardsmen’s hospitalization and rehabilitation.
