National guard Soldiers Shot in Washington D.C.

Two U.S. National Guard soldiers were shot Wednesday in Washington D.C. in what officials described as a targeted attack. The suspect is in custody after suffering gunshot wounds during the incident.

President Donald Trump was in Florida at the time of the attack, which prompted the White House to go into lockdown as law enforcement from multiple federal and city agencies swarmed the area.

The suspect rounded a corner and began firing at the guard soldiers, who were on a high-visibility patrol, Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll said. Both victims were in critical condition, FBI Director Kash Patel said at a press briefing.

“This is a targeted attack,” Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially stated in a post on X that both victims were members of his state’s National Guard and had died from their injuries. he soon posted a second statement citing “conflicting reports” about their condition.

The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and officials said the investigation is still in its early stages.

Trump is at his resort in Florida ahead of Thursday’s Thanksgiving holiday, while Vice President JD Vance is in Kentucky.

In a social media post, Trump called the suspected shooter an “animal” who would “pay a very steep price” and praised the National Guard.

The shooting unfolded near Farragut Square, a popular lunch spot for office workers just a few streets away from the White house. The park, decorated with wreaths and bows for the holiday season, is flanked by fast-casual restaurants, a coffee shop, and two metro stops.