National Guard Members Shot in Targeted Ambush Near White House, Suspect in Custody

Two members of the National Guard were critically injured on Wednesday in what authorities described as a deliberate ambush just a few blocks from the White House. The incident triggered an immediate security lockdown as multiple federal and local agencies rushed to the scene. The suspect was taken into custody after being wounded during the exchange of gunfire.

Officials said the two soldiers were carrying out a high-visibility patrol around 2:15 p.m. ET near 17th and I Streets when an armed individual suddenly approached and opened fire. Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll noted that the soldiers returned fire, and other Guard members subdued the attacker.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that both injured soldiers were undergoing treatment in critical condition. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser stated that evidence pointed to a targeted attack.

Initial comments by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey suggested both soldiers had died, but he later corrected his statement, citing inconsistent early reports regarding their condition.

Authorities said the shooter appeared to have acted alone, and neither the victims’ identities nor the suspect’s details have been released.

At the time of the attack, President Donald Trump was in Florida ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, while Vice President JD Vance was in Kentucky. Trump later posted on social media condemning the attacker and praising the National Guard for their response.

Witnesses near Farragut Square described panic as gunfire erupted in an area normally crowded with office workers. Some bystanders attempted to give first aid to the fallen soldiers, while others saw troops detaining the suspect.

National Guard forces have been stationed in Washington since August as part of the administration’s security and immigration enforcement initiatives. Roughly 2,200 Guard members from multiple states are currently deployed. Following the shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that Trump had requested an additional 500 Guard personnel for the capital.