Two National Guard members have been shot near the White House. Both are in critical condition according to the latest reports. President Trump was not at the White House at the time. Say a prayer for them.
The New York Post is reporting:
WASHINGTON — A crazed gunman shot two National Guard troops in a cowardly “ambush”-style attack — leaving them in critical condition — just blocks from the White House on Wednesday, according to law enforcement sources and officials, who shortly after confirmed that the suspect was in custody.
The armed soldiers exchanged gunfire with the shooter outside the Farragut West metro station in Northwest DC, less than a half mile north of the White House, after he snuck around a corner and opened fire.
Other guardsmen stationed nearby rushed to the area and were able to subdue and take the suspect into custody with the assistance of local law enforcement. Photos in the aftermath of the incident showed one of the troops was struck in the head.
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DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said police believe, for now, that the suspect acted alone in what Metro Police Chief Jeffery Carroll called a “targeted attack.”
FBI Director Kash Patel vowed that “anyone responsible” for the “heinous” assault against the guardsmen will be brought to justice.
“Please send a prayer to those brave warriors .. they are the heroes of this day, and we must remember them every day and remember their sacrifice,” he said at a press conference in the hours following the shooting.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey posted on X around 3:40 p.m. that both service members from his state had “passed away from their injuries,” but 20 minutes later added that he was “receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information.”
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Mayor Bowser ignored a shouted reporter’s question about the apparently premature post and subsequent walk-back.
Authorities confirmed at a 4:45 news conference that the two guard members were transported to a hospital in critical condition.
The scene, which is located at a bustling public square with restaurants and retail shopping stores in between the Farragut West and Farragut North metro stations, is now secure.
Law enforcement sources told The Post that the suspect was shot four times. Pictures also showed him being hauled away nearly naked in an ambulance.
The suspect, who has not been identified, acted alone, Metropolitan Police Department Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll said during the presser.
Tourist Tim Moye of Newton, Ga., said he was about a block away from the shooting when it happened — and heard two gunshots, a brief pause, and then three more. A rush of people ran his way and said “somebody was shooting.”
A parking garage attendant a half block away said he heard about eight shots before rushing inside along with many pedestrians.
“It’s scary,” said a clearly shaken uniformed worker, speaking in broken English as she ventured out of her workplace near K St, the major road synonymous with DC lobbying.
DC’s Metro Police Department confirmed the shooting occurred a little after 2:30 p.m. at 17th and I Street, NW, and that the suspect was in custody. FBI, ATF and Secret Service agents also responded.
Both President Trump and Vice President JD Vance were outside of DC at the time of the shooting, with Trump in Florida and Vance visiting troops in Kentucky.
“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price,” Trump posted on his Truth Social.
“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!”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the shooting would “only stiffen our resolve” as he announced another 500 troops would be deployed to join the more than 2,000 National Guard members in DC.
At least one of the National Guard service members was administered CPR, law enforcement sources added. The suspect is also now at a DC hospital.
A ground stop was later issued at Ronald Reagan National Airport outside DC for departing flights over security concerns.
“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added in a statement shortly after the gunfire.
Members of the US Secret Service were photographed responding to the incident after a barrage of gunfire rang out near Farragut Square, about a five minute walk from the executive mansion.