National Guard Members Critically Injured in 'Targeted' D.C. Attack Near White House | Suspect in Custody

National Guard Members Critically Injured in 'Targeted' D.C. Attack Near White House

An alarming incident unfolded in Washington, D.C., where two members of the West Virginia National Guard were left in critical condition following a shooting near the White House. Authorities have described the attack, which occurred on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, as "targeted," and confirmed that the suspected gunman is now in custody, also having sustained gunshot wounds.

Presidential and Official Reactions

President Trump addressed the nation via social media, labeling the event a "monstrous, ambush style attack." He controversially identified the suspect as a "foreigner" who entered the U.S. from Afghanistan in September 2021, linking the incident to what he termed the Biden administration's immigration policies. Trump vowed a comprehensive review of all individuals who entered the U.S. from Afghanistan during President Biden's tenure.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem further elaborated on social media platform X, stating the suspect arrived in the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome. This initiative facilitated the resettlement of Afghan refugees, including those who assisted the U.S. government, after the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan.

In response to the attack and ongoing concerns, President Trump confirmed plans to dispatch an additional 500 Guard personnel to the nation's capital, a measure previously announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This augmentation adds to the existing deployment of approximately 2,200 troops already stationed in D.C. as part of the President's intensified efforts against crime.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and FBI Director Kash Patel, among other officials, condemned the attack. Director Patel announced that the FBI would spearhead the investigation, which will be prosecuted federally as an assault on a federal law enforcement officer. Mayor Bowser affirmed that the perpetrator would face the "full extent of the law."

The Incident's Timeline

The shooting transpired around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. According to Jeffrey Carroll, Executive Assistant Chief of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, the assailant emerged from a corner and opened fire on the Guard members while they were conducting patrols. Nearby Guard members swiftly intervened, managing to subdue the shooter. The precise origin of the gunshot wound sustained by the gunman remains unconfirmed.

Both injured Guard members and the suspect were promptly transported to a hospital. Earlier reports from West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, initially stating the Guard members were killed, were swiftly corrected, clarifying their critical but stable condition.

Ongoing National Guard Presence in D.C.

The recent attack casts a spotlight on the significant National Guard presence in Washington, D.C. Over the past several months, more than 2,000 personnel have been deployed to support patrols and other civic duties. A considerable portion of these troops, including approximately 179 from West Virginia, were drawn from other states.

This deployment, initiated by President Trump in early August due to concerns over D.C.'s crime rate, has faced legal scrutiny. Just last week, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, deeming the deployment unlawful and ordering its cessation. However, this ruling has not yet taken effect, granting the Trump administration time to appeal.

The investigation into the motive behind this "targeted" attack is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the full circumstances of the incident that shook the nation's capital.