Trump Responds After 2 Guardsmen Killed in D.C. Shooting/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Two West Virginia National Guard soldiers were fatally shot near the White House, Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed. A suspect is in custody with non-life-threatening injuries, as federal agencies continue to investigate the tragic attack. The incident has intensified debate over the ongoing military presence in the capital.
National Guard Shooting Fatalities Quick Looks
- Two West Virginia Guardsmen shot, later died in hospital
- Incident occurred two blocks from the White House
- Suspect also shot, sustained non-life-threatening injuries
- One soldier was shot in the head, source says
- Trump calls suspect an “animal,” vows consequences
- Law enforcement, Secret Service, and ATF responded
- Governor confirms deaths, says probe is ongoing
- National Guard presence tied to Trump’s federalization order
- Troops had been patrolling D.C. since August
- Deployment was recently challenged in federal court
Deep Look
Two National Guard Soldiers Killed in Shooting Near White House; Suspect in Custody
A tragic shooting near the White House on Wednesday claimed the lives of two West Virginia National Guard members, marking a devastating escalation in security-related violence in the nation’s capital. The soldiers were stationed in Washington, D.C., as part of a broader federal security deployment initiated by President Donald Trump earlier this year.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed the deaths in a public statement, expressing condolences and affirming that state and federal officials remain in close contact as the investigation unfolds. “We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues,” Morrisey stated in a post on social media.
The fatal shooting occurred around the corner of 17th and H Streets NW, roughly two blocks northwest of the White House. According to sources familiar with the situation, one of the Guard members was shot in the head. Both soldiers, along with the suspect, were transported to the hospital following the attack. The suspect, who was also shot, is reported to have sustained injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
The names of the victims have not been released as authorities work to notify their families.
Authorities responded swiftly, with emergency vehicles, helicopters, and law enforcement agencies quickly converging on the scene. The U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were present alongside local police and National Guard personnel. The Joint DC Task Force confirmed its involvement, and the Metropolitan Police Department also confirmed that its officers were on the scene.
Dramatic visuals showed the area cordoned off with police tape, emergency lights flashing, and a helicopter landing on the National Mall nearby. National Guard troops maintained a visible presence in the area as the investigation began.
President Donald Trump, who is spending the Thanksgiving holiday at his Florida golf resort in West Palm Beach, responded strongly to the news. In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump referred to the alleged shooter as an “animal” and warned that they “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,” Trump wrote. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
The incident occurs amid growing tensions over the continued presence of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. In August, Trump issued a federal emergency order that temporarily placed D.C.’s police force under federal authority and deployed National Guard troops from eight different states in addition to local units. Although the order officially expired a month later, the troops remained active throughout the city.
Their duties have included patrols across various neighborhoods, security at public events, highway checkpoints, and even non-enforcement tasks like trash collection. The deployment has drawn increasing criticism, leading to a court battle over its legality.
Just last week, a federal judge ruled that the ongoing deployment must end but granted a 21-day stay to allow the Trump administration time to comply or appeal the decision. This latest incident may intensify legal and political scrutiny around the militarization of D.C.’s public spaces.
Local leaders have expressed sorrow and concern in response to the violence. A spokesperson for D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said city officials were closely monitoring the situation. Earlier that same day, Bowser had appeared at a Thanksgiving event and held a press conference to announce she would not seek reelection.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also responded on social media, writing, “My heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting. I’m closely monitoring the situation and praying for all affected.”
Though the motive remains unclear, investigators are expected to look closely at whether the shooting was targeted or random. Multiple federal agencies are now involved in the probe, including the FBI, ATF, and the Secret Service.
As the holiday weekend unfolds, D.C. remains on heightened alert, and the National Guard community is reeling from the loss of two of its own. More details are expected as authorities release additional information and the investigation proceeds.
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