In a shocking incident, two National Guard members from West Virginia are currently in critical condition after being shot near the White House. This information was confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel during a press conference held on Wednesday evening. The circumstances surrounding this shooting have raised significant concerns about security in the nation's capital.
During a Wednesday night address, President Trump labeled the shooting as an act of terror. In response to the heightened security concerns, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that President Trump has requested an additional 500 National Guard members be deployed to Washington, D.C. to enhance safety measures. An Army official informed Axios that they will swiftly execute this request to ensure the capital remains safe and secure.
The shooting took place around 2:15 PM ET, near the Farragut Square Metro Station, which is only a five-minute walk north of the White House. Washington Metropolitan Police Department's executive assistant chief, Jeffrey Carroll, stated that the National Guard members were armed at the time of the incident. By 3 PM ET, the D.C. Police Department declared the scene safe and reported that one suspect was in custody.
As of Tuesday, nearly 2,200 National Guard troops were deployed in D.C., including 180 from West Virginia. Initially, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on social media platform X that both Guard members had succumbed to their injuries. However, he later updated his statement, indicating conflicting reports regarding their conditions. “We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues,” Morrisey stated. “Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community.”
The FBI is actively assisting in the ongoing investigation, with Director Kash Patel promising that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
This shooting occurs just one day after President Trump asserted that there have been no murders in the nation’s capital in the past six months. However, a reality check reveals that 62 homicides have indeed taken place in D.C. since May 25, amidst the administration's push to crack down on crime.
President Trump took to Truth Social to comment on the incident, stating that the suspect was also severely wounded during the attack and would “pay a very steep price.” Trump has previously advocated for the death penalty for murders committed in D.C. In his message, he expressed gratitude for the National Guard, military, and law enforcement, stating, “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
As this is a developing story, further updates are expected regarding the condition of the injured National Guard members and the ongoing investigation into the shooting. This incident has drawn strong condemnation from President Trump and other lawmakers, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced security measures in Washington, D.C.