Two United States National Guardsmen from West Virginia were shot near the White House and remain in critical condition, officials confirmed.
Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser described the attack on Wednesday as a “targeted shooting,” adding that the suspect had been arrested.
“I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to the families of the Guardsmen, who are both in critical condition at a local hospital,” Bowser said.
Initial reports about their condition caused confusion after West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey mistakenly announced that both service members had died. He later retracted the statement, saying he had received “conflicting updates.”
In his earlier post, Morrisey vowed to hold the attacker fully accountable. “These brave West Virginians lost their lives serving their country,” he wrote, before later correcting the information.
President Donald Trump quickly responded on Truth Social, promising that the perpetrator would pay a “very steep price.” In a video message from Mar-a-Lago, Trump said his administration would begin removing foreigners who “do not belong here,” claiming the suspect was believed to be a foreign national from Afghanistan.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) subsequently announced the suspension of “all immigration processing related to Afghan nationals” pending a review of security protocols.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed that Trump had ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to be deployed to Washington, DC.
“This attack happened just steps from the White House. It will not stand,” Hegseth said.
Investigation Underway
At the time of the shooting, Trump was not present at the White House, having traveled to Florida for Thanksgiving. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said her department is coordinating with federal and local agencies.
Deputy Police Chief Jeffery Carroll said the suspect was also hospitalized.
“Video shows a lone gunman ambushing the Guardsmen before being quickly taken into custody,” Carroll told reporters.
Authorities briefly warned the public to avoid the area but later said the scene had been secured.
FBI Director Kash Patel called the shooting “a matter of national security,” adding that federal and state law enforcement are fully engaged in the investigation.
Political Climate and Security Response
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in the US, following the killing of commentator Charlie Kirk in September and the murder of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman in June.
A heavy security presence has formed around Farragut West metro station, according to Al Jazeera’s Rosiland Jordan.
The National Guard—a reserve military force typically mobilized for emergencies—has been active in Washington following Trump’s decision to deploy them earlier in the year as part of a crime-control initiative.
Last week, a federal judge ruled that Trump had exceeded presidential authority by mobilizing federal troops for domestic law enforcement. However, the ruling has been paused for 21 days to allow for an appeal.
Lawmakers React
Members of Congress from both parties condemned the attack.
“Praying for the National Guard members wounded in this horrific shooting,” said Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “There is no place for violence in America.”