Two West Virginia National Guard members were critically wounded Wednesday afternoon in an ambush-style shooting just two blocks from the White House, triggering lockdowns, heavy police presence, and an immediate expansion of federal troop deployments in Washington, D.C.
The shooting occurred around 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro station at 17th and I Streets NW, where the Guardsmen were conducting high-visibility patrols as part of President Trump’s “Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful” initiative.
According to Metropolitan Police Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll, a lone gunman came around a corner, raised a firearm, and opened fire on the troops without warning.
“It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard,” Carroll said.
Law enforcement returned fire, striking the suspect, who was taken to a local hospital in police custody.
Suspect Reported as Afghan Immigrant Who Entered U.S. in 2021
Authorities have not formally identified the suspect, but CBS News and other outlets reported that the man is an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 during the Biden administration’s evacuation from Kabul. Federal investigators are now treating the case as a potential act of terrorism, according to a law enforcement source.
The FBI is leading the investigation.
“We don’t have any motive,” Carroll said, noting that no additional suspects are believed to be involved.
White House Area Secured
The shooting’s close proximity to the White House triggered immediate lockdowns of both the Executive Mansion and the neighboring Treasury Department. A heavy mix of U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Park Police, Metropolitan Police, and FBI agents flooded the area.
A Secret Service official said the White House itself did not appear to be targeted.
Trump: Shooter Will “Pay a Very Steep Price”
President Donald Trump, who is in Florida for Thanksgiving, confirmed the Guardsmen were in critical condition at separate hospitals.
“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen … will pay a very steep price,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement.”
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the attack as a “targeted shooting.”
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey retracted an earlier statement claiming the Guardsmen had died, citing conflicting information.
500 More Guard Troops Ordered to D.C.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced he is deploying an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington at the president’s direction.
“This happened just steps away from the White House. It will not stand,” Hegseth said. “This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington, D.C., safe and beautiful.”
He praised the wounded Guardsmen as “heroes who were willing to serve … for people they don’t know and they’ve never met.”
Deployment Continues Despite Legal Challenges
Roughly 2,200 Guard members from multiple states have been deployed in the capital since August. The operation has faced objections from D.C. officials and a federal lawsuit challenging the legality of Trump’s order. U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb ruled last week that the deployment violated several laws but delayed enforcement of her decision until Dec. 11 to allow an appeal.
Guard troops have been patrolling Metro stations, the National Mall, and major parks, helping free up police for other areas. Crime in several categories has dropped since the deployment began, according to officials.
Investigation Ongoing
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said federal agencies are working with local law enforcement to gather more information.
“Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington D.C.,” she posted on social media.
The National Guard said troops deployed to D.C. have been authorized to carry M-17 pistols for self-protection due to the elevated threat environment.
The suspect remains hospitalized, and investigators say the motive remains unknown.
