Two National Guardsmen were shot just a short distance away from the White House and are currently in ‘critical condition,’ as confirmed by the FBI.
FBI Director Kash Patel labeled the attack as “brazen” and “heinous,” pledging that the offenders will be brought to justice.
“We have assembled the full force of the federal and state and local law enforcement agencies to bring to bear all of our resources, to make sure we find the perpetrators responsible for this heinous act and make no mistake, they will be brought to justice,” he stated.
Patel also urged the public to keep the injured in their prayers while they undergo medical care in the hospital.
Jeff Carrol, Chief of the local metropolitan police, provided further details, stating: “Both of the individuals, the guard members, they are in critical condition at a local hospital at this time, being treated. At this point, we have no other suspects. We have reviewed video from the area. It appears, like I said, to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard, and he was quickly taken into custody by other National Guard members.”
Authorities informed the BBC that three individuals were transported to the hospital, but the identity and condition of the third victim remain unknown. CBS reported that the suspect, now in custody, was also injured and taken to a hospital, with their condition yet to be revealed.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, announced in a statement: “The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed.”
President Trump, currently away in Palm Springs for Thanksgiving, addressed the nation on Truth Social following the incident: “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 shooting occurred around 2:20 p.m. ET at the entrance of the Farragut West Metro station, near the bustling intersection of 17th and I St NW in Washington, D.C.
Following the attack, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to the capital in a statement. He described the shooting as “cowardly” and “dastardly,” adding that it would “only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington D.C. safe and beautiful.”
The suspect remains in custody and is expected to be charged with assault on a federal officer.
Since August, more than 2,000 National Guard troops have been stationed in Washington as part of Trump’s effort to uphold law and order. This move involved federal control of the city’s police and deploying troops to monitor metro stations, landmarks, and tourist areas.