WASHINGTON D.C. — A devastating shooting just blocks from the White House left two National Guard members dead on Wednesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the nation’s capital and prompting an urgent multi-agency investigation.
The incident unfolded around 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time at the bustling intersection of 17th and I Street NW, near the Farragut West Metro station and within close proximity to several federal buildings. According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the victims were members of the West Virginia National Guard who were part of ongoing security patrols across the city.
Initial reports stated that the soldiers were critically wounded, but their deaths were later confirmed by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey. The guardsmen were performing what officials described as “high visibility patrols” when a suspect approached the intersection, came around a corner, and opened fire. MPD Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll indicated that the attack may have been deliberate.
Law enforcement swiftly secured the area, and one suspect was apprehended. The suspect, who was also wounded, is currently receiving medical treatment and is expected to survive. Federal agencies including the U.S. Secret Service, ATF, and the Joint DC Task Force mobilized immediately, and the White House initiated a temporary lockdown as a precaution.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported that President Donald Trump, currently in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday, was briefed and is actively monitoring developments. President Trump condemned the shooter in a social media statement, promising severe consequences for the perpetrator. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the bureau’s involvement in supporting the investigation.
Authorities have not yet identified a motive, and determining the intent behind the shooting remains a top priority for investigators.
The tragedy comes in the midst of heightened political and legal tension surrounding the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops to Washington D.C. an initiative launched by the Trump administration to address rising crime. Although a federal judge recently moved to suspend the deployment, the order was paused for 21 days to allow for appeal.
In response to Wednesday’s shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that an additional 500 National Guard members would be deployed to the city at President Trump’s request, defying the ongoing judicial challenge.
The deaths of the two West Virginia guardsmen have cast a somber shadow over the nation as officials, families, and communities mourn their loss. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
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