Two National Guard members critically wounded in Washington shooting near White House
Two National Guard members were critically wounded in a shooting near the White House in Washington, D.C., Wednesday afternoon. A suspect was arrested.
November 26, 2025 - 06:42 PM ET • 2 min read
Two members of the National Guard were critically wounded in a shooting that occurred near the White House in Washington, D.C., Wednesday afternoon. The incident, which took place just two blocks from the presidential residence, prompted immediate high-level reactions from federal and state officials.
The shooting occurred around 2:15 PM local time at the corner of 17th Street and I Street, Northwest. Authorities confirmed that the two soldiers were struck by gunfire and transported to hospitals in critical condition.
Initial reports suggesting the deaths of the soldiers were contradicted by federal officials. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed in a press conference that the two National Guard members were in critical condition, refuting earlier statements made by some officials regarding fatalities. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the shooting and urged the public to pray for the wounded guardsmen.
A suspect involved in the shooting was arrested by law enforcement within half an hour of the incident. Authorities said the suspect was also seriously injured. The area, described as crowded with tourists ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, was immediately cordoned off following the attack.
The National Guard troops were reportedly part of a force deployed by President Donald Trump to combat crime in the city.
President Trump, who was at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, for the holiday weekend, was informed of the "tragic situation," according to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. The President later stated that the individual responsible for the attack would face the "highest penalty" under U.S. law.
The attack drew swift condemnation from state leaders across the country. Governor Gavin Newsom of California called the attack "horrible and unacceptable," stating that there must be "tolerance zero" for violence against uniformed personnel. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York and Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois also joined in demanding zero tolerance for violence targeting those serving the country.