Two National Guardsmen Shot Near the White House: City on Lockdown as Officials Race to Clarify Conflicting Reports
Washington, D.C. was thrust into chaos on Tuesday afternoon after two members of the National Guard were shot just blocks from the White House, prompting immediate security lockdowns, conflicting reports on casualties, and urgent responses from federal and state leaders.
The shooting, which occurred around 2:20 p.m. ET near the entrance of the Farragut West Metro Station—one of the busiest commuter hubs in the city—sent shockwaves through the nation’s capital. Initial reports described an unfolding emergency in a restricted zone already on heightened alert due to elevated federal security measures.
Initial Claims and Conflicting Information
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey was among the first officials to comment publicly, releasing a statement indicating that both Guardsmen had died from their injuries. Within an hour, Morrisey retracted the claim, explaining that the information he received was conflicting.
“We are now receiving inconsistent updates regarding the condition of our two Guard members,” Morrisey wrote on social media. “We will provide clarity as soon as verified details are available.”
Journalists and residents alike expressed confusion as government agencies worked to establish the facts amid a rapidly evolving situation.
Authorities Confirm Multiple Victims
According to statements provided to the BBC by D.C. emergency officials, three individuals were transported to nearby hospitals following the shooting. The identities of the victims—aside from the two known Guardsmen—were not immediately released, and their medical conditions remain unknown.
Law enforcement sources speaking to CBS News confirmed that the suspect was also wounded, taken into custody at the scene, and subsequently transferred to a hospital. Police have not yet released details about the suspect’s background, motive, or whether the attack is linked to broader security concerns.
White House Locked Down
The proximity of the shooting site to the White House—roughly two blocks—resulted in an immediate and comprehensive lockdown. Reporters on the scene described Secret Service personnel redirecting foot traffic, closing entrances, and expanding the security perimeter.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued an official statement confirming that senior leadership had been alerted.
“The White House is aware of and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed,” Leavitt said.
Reuters correspondent Jeff Mason later confirmed via social media that the White House complex remained locked down while protective measures were being reassessed.
Federal Leaders React: Calls for Prayer and Strong Words From the President
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged the public to keep the injured Guardsmen in their thoughts. “Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington, D.C.,” she posted on X.
At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was not in Washington. He is reportedly at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach ahead of Thanksgiving. Vice President JD Vance is currently in Kentucky.
President Trump later released a strongly worded statement on Truth Social, condemning the attack:
“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, both critically wounded and now in two separate hospitals, will pay a very steep price. God bless our great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly great people.”
He added that he and his administration “stand fully behind” the families and colleagues of the victims.
Transportation Disruptions and Airspace Concerns
Following the shooting, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily halted incoming flights into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, citing its close proximity to the incident. The stoppage affected dozens of flights and caused delays across multiple airports in the region.
Local metro service also saw disruptions as police cordoned off streets surrounding I Street NW and 17th Street NW. Busy commuter pathways were shut down as investigators combed through the scene for evidence.
Officials have not yet provided a timeline for when normal transit services will resume.
National Guard Statement: “Health and Safety Our Top Priority”
The National Guard released a formal statement acknowledging the attack and confirming cooperation with local and federal agencies.
“We are aware of the incident and working closely with the Metropolitan Police Department and other law enforcement partners. The health and safety of our service members is our top priority as we continue to support the citizens and visitors of Washington, D.C.”
The National Guard has maintained an increased presence in the capital since August, when President Trump issued an emergency order federalizing the D.C. police force and deploying guard units from eight states to bolster public safety.
High Security Climate Heightens Tensions
The attack comes during a period of intensified federal security measures in Washington. Since the emergency order was enacted, observers have reported noticeably larger National Guard patrols, expanded vehicle checkpoints, and stricter credentials enforcement in government zones.
Security analysts note that while coordinated attacks near key government buildings are rare, isolated acts of violence in federal districts can trigger major lockdowns due to their symbolic and strategic importance.
“This wasn’t just a shooting—it was a shooting in one of the most sensitive areas in the country,” said Dr. Michael Abrams, a national security instructor at Georgetown University. “Any incident involving armed personnel or security forces near the White House is treated as a potential threat until ruled otherwise.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Metropolitan Police Department has not yet released formal details regarding:
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The motive behind the attack
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The relationship, if any, between the suspect and the victims
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Whether the incident is considered targeted or random
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The identity of the third injured individual
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains active, and more information will be released once hospital reports and forensic assessments are complete.
A Nation Waits for Answers
As the country prepares for the Thanksgiving holiday, the shooting of two uniformed National Guard members mere blocks from the executive mansion has shocked the public and reignited conversations about security around federal institutions.
With conflicting early reports, limited official statements, and complex conditions surrounding both the victims and the suspect, Americans are left waiting for clarity.
For now, Washington remains on high alert—its residents navigating blocked-off streets, rerouted public transit, and the unsettling knowledge that violence struck the very heart of the nation’s capital.
More updates will follow as authorities release verified information.
Adrian Hawthorne is a celebrated author and dedicated archivist who finds inspiration in the hidden stories of the past. Educated at Oxford, he now works at the National Archives, where preserving history fuels his evocative writing. Balancing archival precision with creative storytelling, Adrian founded the Hawthorne Institute of Literary Arts to mentor emerging writers and honor the timeless art of narrative.