Two U.S. National Guard members were ambushed and shot near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The incident, which took place just blocks from the White House, has sent shockwaves through the nation, raising concerns about security in the capital. The suspect, identified as a lone gunman, is in custody, and both victims are critically injured. Law enforcement agencies have secured the crime scene and are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to DC police, the suspect is believed to have approached the National Guard members during a high-visibility patrol and opened fire at close range. He then reportedly fired at another guard who attempted to take cover behind a bus stop. Executive Assistant Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department Jeffrey Carroll described the suspect as a lone gunman who ‘raised the firearm and ambushed’ the guardsmen.
Vice President J.D. Vance expressed his condolences for the victims, stating that the incident serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by America’s military personnel, including National Guard members. He emphasized that ‘soldiers, whether they’re active-duty, reserve, or National Guard, are the sword and the shield of the United States of America’. Additionally, President Donald Trump condemned the attack on his Truth Social platform, vowing that the perpetrator would pay a ‘very steep price.’ He also claimed that the suspect was severely wounded, though this has not been widely confirmed by official sources.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that 50,000 additional National Guardsmen would be deployed to Washington, D.C., bringing the total to 2,500. This move has raised questions about the federal government’s approach to security in urban areas, as Trump has previously deployed the National Guard to various cities as part of a broader crackdown on crime. Critics have condemned the use of National Guard troops for domestic law enforcement, arguing that it represents an overreach of executive power.
The incident has reignited debates over the use of the National Guard for domestic purposes, with concerns over potential civil liberties violations and the militarization of law enforcement. Meanwhile, the National Guard has emphasized its commitment to the safety of all citizens and is working closely with federal and local authorities to ensure the security of the nation’s capital.
As the investigation continues, the nation awaits further information about the shooter’s motives and the full circumstances of the attack. The shooting has once again highlighted the ongoing tensions between the White House and critics of Trump’s policies, particularly regarding the use of federal resources and the handling of crime in major cities.