National Guard Members Shot Near White House in Targeted Attack: Trump Orders Additional Troops to Washington

There are currently 2,188 troops assigned to the joint task force operating in the city.

Two West Virginia National Guard members who deployed to the nation's capital were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House in a violent attack that authorities described as targeted.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed the Guard members were hospitalized in critical condition. Bowser emphasized that the soldiers appeared to be specifically targeted in the assault.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially announced the troops had died but later retracted his statement, indicating his office was "receiving conflicting reports" about their condition. The governor's office has not provided further clarification regarding the attack or the soldiers' current status.

Law enforcement officials reported that a suspect was taken into custody and also suffered gunshot wounds, though these were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement source speaking anonymously to The Associated Press.

In response to the shooting, the Trump administration promptly ordered 500 additional National Guard members to Washington. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that President Donald Trump personally requested the deployment of these extra soldiers.

The current deployment includes 2,188 troops assigned to the joint task force operating throughout the city, according to the government's most recent update.

Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the scene. They believe the suspect approached the soldiers before drawing a weapon, according to another anonymous law enforcement official. At least one soldier reportedly exchanged gunfire with the attacker. Authorities are working to determine the shooter's motive, including whether the troops were targeted for specific reasons.

The incident occurred approximately two blocks northwest of the White House.

Social media videos from the aftermath showed emergency responders performing CPR on one soldier and treating another on a glass-covered sidewalk. Nearby officers could be seen restraining an individual on the ground.

Witness Stacy Walters, who was in a vehicle near the scene, reported hearing two gunshots followed by people running. She noted law enforcement rapidly swarmed the area, saying, "It's such a beautiful day. Who would do this? And we're getting ready for the holidays?"

National Guard presence in the nation's capital has been controversial for months, sparking legal challenges and public debate regarding the Trump administration's use of military personnel to address what officials describe as uncontrolled crime issues.

More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed to Washington in August. Approximately 160 of them volunteered to extend their deployment through year-end, while others returned to West Virginia just over a week ago.

At the scene, police tape cordoned off the area as emergency vehicle lights flashed and helicopters circled overhead. Agents from the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded, with National Guard troops maintaining security nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

President Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, issued a statement on social media warning that the "animal" who shot the guardsmen "will pay a very steep price." He added, "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!"

From Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Vice President JD Vance asked "everybody who's a person of faith" to pray for the two Guardsmen. He cautioned that many details remained unknown, including the shooter's motive, adding, "I think it's a somber reminder that soldiers, whether they're active duty, reserve or National Guard, our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America."

Trump implemented an emergency order in August that federalized local police and deployed National Guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia. Though the order expired after one month, the troops remained deployed.

Recently, a federal judge ordered the deployment to end but suspended her ruling for 21 days to allow the administration time to either withdraw the troops or appeal the decision.

The National Guard members have been conducting neighborhood patrols, monitoring train stations and other locations, operating highway checkpoints, and performing additional duties including trash collection and security at sporting events.