Members of the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies respond to a shooting near the White House on Nov. 26, 2025. At least two National Guard members were shot, officials confirmed. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON — Two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot and killed Wednesday afternoon near the White House in Washington, D.C., according to that state’s governor.
“It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey wrote in a social media post. “These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues.”
“Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community,” Morrisey added. “West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act.”
President Donald Trump was briefed on the shooting and was “actively monitoring this tragic situation,” according to a statement from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Trump mobilized 800 National Guard members to the district in August, on the grounds of a “crime emergency,” despite a nearly 30-year low in violent crime in the city.
The Metropolitan Police Department reported around 2:45 p.m. Eastern that it was on the scene of a shooting near the intersection of 17th and I streets NW, an area of office buildings and retail just about two blocks from the White House.
MPD reported shortly later on social media that one suspect was in custody.
Trump posted on social media prior to Morrisey’s statement that both guardsmen were “critically wounded” and taken to two separate hospitals. The shooter, he added, was “also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price.”
The Associated Press, citing a law enforcement official not authorized to speak publicly, reported the suspected sustained “injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.”
White House on lockdown
The White House was placed on lockdown due to the shooting, according to a White House official. Trump and first lady Melania Trump are in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday and were not present at the time of the shooting.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on social media that the department was “working with local law enforcement to gather more information.”
The Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
When Trump mobilized the Guard, he also federalized the district’s police force for 30 days. While the federalization of the police force expired, Trump has kept the National Guard in the district.
Since then, Republican governors have agreed to send their own Guard members to the district, from Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina and West Virginia, among others.
Lawmakers react
Members of Congress responded to the initial reports of the shooting with prayers and gratitude for the service members.
“Praying for the National Guard members wounded in this horrific shooting,” U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., wrote on social media. “Thankful for the brave law enforcement officers and first responders who swiftly apprehended a suspect. There is no place for violence in America.”
Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican and retired lieutenant colonel in the Iowa National Guard, called for prayers for the victims.
“Join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen shot in D.C. and their families,” she said. “Our men and women in uniform truly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and deserve our greatest respect.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote he was “closely monitoring the situation and am praying for the wounded National Guardsmen and their families.”
“My heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting in Washington DC near the White House,” Schumer wrote. “I thank all the first responders for their quick action to capture the suspect.”
Speaking in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Vice President JD Vance, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said the attack was “a somber reminder.”
“Our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America,” he said. “And as a person who goes into work every single day in that building and knows that there are a lot of people who wear the uniform of the United States Army, let me just say very personally thank them for what they’re doing.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., wrote that his “thoughts and prayers are with the National Guardsmen who were attacked this afternoon. I urge you to keep them in your prayers too.”
Jacob Fischler contributed to this report.
This is a developing news story and will be updated.
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