UPDATED 2 West Virginia National Guard troops critical after shooting near White House

Three people, including 2 National Guard troops, are hurt after a shooting near the White House in Northwest DC, according to sources. (ABC News)

by Thomas Mates, Jessica James

Wed, November 26, 2025 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Two National Guard troops are critical after a shooting near the White House in Northwest D.C., according to FBI Director Kash Patel and D.C. Police officials

"Two of our brave members of the National Guard and Department of War were brazenly attacked in a horrendous act of violence. They were shot. They're in critical condition," Patel said during a news conference.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey wrote earlier on X that he was receiving "conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members." He had previously said both of the troops had died.

Metropolitan Police Department officials confirmed the gunfire in the area of 17th and I streets, Northwest Wednesday around 2:15 p.m. Three shooting victims were treated and taken to the hospital, D.C. Fire confirmed with 7News.



A high-ranking source told 7News' Brad Bell that both soldiers were shot in the head.

The suspect is reported to be “down,” and MPD has confirmed they are in custody.

"There were other (Guard) members that were in the area. They were able to — after some back and forth — able to subdue the (shooter) and bring them into custody. Within moments, members of law enforcement in the area were also able to assist and bring that individual into custody," Jeff Carroll, MPD's Executive Assistant Chief said.

"The reason that this suspect is in custody is because of the bravery of the men and women of the National Guard who responded due to their extensive training to secure American lives," Patel added.



Police said the shooter was also shot, but added they are still working to figure out who was responsible.

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Police did not say what led up to the gunfire, but Mayor Muriel Bowser said that it was a "targeted shooting."

Several roads in the area are closed while police investigate:800 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, between H and I streets 1600-1700 blocks of K Street, NW, between 18th and 16th streets

President Donald Trump posted about the shooting on Truth Social:

"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. 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," the post read.

Vice President JD Vance spoke about the shooting while speaking to service members. 

A ground stop was also been issued at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) due to security, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). DCA later sent out an update that flights have resumed, but there still may be delays.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said an additional 500 National Guard troops will be deployed to D.C. following the shooting.