Two National Guard members were reportedly shot near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, November 26. According to NBC4Washington, the Metropolitan Police Department shared that officers locked down the area just before 3 p.m. to begin an investigation.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect new information about the condition of the guardsmen shot after a premature announcement from the governor of West Virginia.
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What We Know About The Shooting Near The White House
Gunfire erupted near the corner of 17th and H streets, roughly two blocks from the White House. The Department of Homeland Security said two National Guardsmen suffered gunshot wounds during the chaos. A law enforcement official added that one of the National Guard members allegedly exchanged fire with the active shooter.
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Vito Maggiolo, public information officer for DC Fire and Emergency Services, said medics took all three individuals to the hospital. According to AP News, officers later took the injured suspect into custody after being confirmed for non-life-threatening injuries. USA Today reports that the shooting happened while Trump has thousands of troops stationed across Washington, as part of his push to crack down on crime in the nation’s capital.
Governor Patrick Morrisey Retracts Statement About Deaths Of Guardsmen
After confirming the deaths of the National Guardsmen, Morrisey returned to X to say he’s been getting conflicting reports about their condition. He assured his followers that he would share updates as soon as he received them and would continue to keep the brave service members in his prayers.
“We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information. Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community,” Morrisey wrote.
Governor Patrick Morrisey initially shared on X (formerly Twitter) that both National Guardsmen had died from their injuries.
“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. 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.”
Additionally, Morrisey said the guards will always be remembered for their service. He also called for those responsible to be held accountable. “Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community. West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act,” Morrisey added.
Trump Issues Statement Following Shooting Of National Guardsmen
Trump also reacted to the shooting on Truth Social, telling his followers that the suspect will pay “a steep price” for the attack. NBC4Washington reported that both Trump and Vice President JD Vance were out of the district during the incident. Trump is spending Thanksgiving at his Mar-a-Lago home, while Vance is reportedly at Ft. Campbell, an army based on the Tennessee-Kentucky border.
“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
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