Two National Guard members were critically injured in a targeted shooting near the White House on Wednesday, prompting a lockdown and a rapid law enforcement response.
The attack occurred close to Farragut Square, a busy area a few blocks from the presidential residence, where the soldiers were conducting a high-visibility patrol.
The assailant ambushed the troops near 17th and I Streets and was subdued by fellow Guard members after exchanging gunfire. FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser labelled the incident a targeted attack by a lone shooter. Initially, reports about the soldiers’ condition were conflicting, but they are confirmed to be in critical condition.
President Donald Trump, who was in Florida ahead of Thanksgiving, called the attacker an “animal” who “will pay a very steep price” and praised the Guard’s efforts. The Guard has been deployed in Washington since August, following Trump’s directive to address crime and immigration issues, with around 2,200 troops from several states currently stationed there.
Witnesses described chaos as people fled the scene after the shots were fired. One witness saw the injured Guardsmen receiving urgent medical care while others restrained the suspect.
Reports suggest the attacker may have immigrated from Afghanistan and was granted asylum in recent years. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump authorised sending an additional 500 Guard troops to boost security in response to the shooting.