The National Guardsmen are in reportedly in critical condition, while the West Virginia governor said the men passed away
WASHINGTON — Two West Virginia National Guardsmen were shot Wednesday afternoon just a few blocks from the White House, prompting a major law-enforcement response and a temporary lockdown in the area.
According to the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, officers raced to the scene near 17th and H streets shortly before 3 p.m. after reports of gunfire. The shooting occurred roughly two blocks from the White House, in an area that was busy with holiday-week activity.
Conflicting reports about the condition of the Guardsmen
Authorities said two National Guardsmen were gunned down during the incident. A law-enforcement official reported that one of the Guardsmen exchanged fire with the suspected shooter. Medics transported all three injured individuals, the two Guardsmen and the alleged shooter, to a nearby hospital.
Most national reports state the Guardsmen are in critical condition, while the West Virginia governor said the men passed away from their injuries.
The suspect, whose identity was not immediately released, was later taken into custody with non-life-threatening injuries, according to initial reports. CNN reported that the suspect is being interviewed by FBI agents.
The shooting unfolded amid heightened military presence in the nation’s capital, with thousands of troops currently stationed across Washington as part of President Trump’s recent initiative to address crime in the district.
Governor said the two Guardsmen have died
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Wednesday evening that both Guardsmen have died from their injuries. In a statement on X, Morrisey called their deaths “a great sorrow” and emphasized their service to the country.
“It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries,” Morrisey said in a statement obtained from a post he posted on X. “These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues.”
It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries. These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact…
— Governor Patrick Morrisey (@wvgovernor) November 26, 2025
President Trump Responds
President Trump issued a statement on Truth Social, praising the National Guard and promising that the suspect “will pay a steep price” for the attack. Both Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance were out of Washington at the time, Trump at Mar-a-Lago for Thanksgiving and Vance at Ft. Campbell on the Tennessee-Kentucky border.
“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our military and law enforcement. These are truly great people. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the suspect, a motive for the shooting, nor whether the alleged shooter acted alone. The investigation is ongoing.