Washington D.C. is experiencing a day of shock after two West Virginia National Guard members were shot Wednesday afternoon in a downtown area within walking distance of the White House.
The attack, which immediately mobilized federal and local forces, has reignited the debate over security in the capital and the troop deployment ordered months ago by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Shooting in Washington: 2 National Guard Members Killed
According to official information, the shooting occurred at the corner of 17th Street and I Street in northwest Washington.
This is a very busy spot for federal workers, tourists and security personnel who regularly circulate in the area.
Witnesses told EFE that they heard at least two gunshots before seeing people running for cover.
“We saw two stretchers being carried away. On one of them was a man in military fatigues,” said Mohammed El-Katabi, a visiting Atlanta resident.
Minutes later, helicopters flew over the area while dozens of agents cordoned off the area.
The victims died in the hospital
It was initially reported that the two National Guard members had been taken to hospitals with serious injuries.
But minutes later West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed the deaths of both in a statement, “It is with great sadness that we can confirm that they died of their injuries.”
The attacker, whose identity has not been disclosed, was also taken to a medical center in critical condition.
Washington Police reported that he was detained at the scene without further incident and remains in custody pending further investigation.
Immediate response from the White House
“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price. God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These… pic.twitter.com/CyZJDqtdoR
– The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 26, 2025
President Donald Trump was informed of the attack from his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, where he is spending the Thanksgiving holiday.
In a message posted on his Truth Social network, he said that the person responsible “will pay a very high price” and sent condolences to the families of the agents, whom he described as “extraordinary people”.
Although the message was issued before the guards’ deaths were publicly confirmed, the White House later indicated that it continues to monitor the situation along with the Department of Homeland Security.
A controversial deployment and a recent court ruling
The two agents were part of the National Guard contingent sent to Washington in August by order of President Trump, a move the president justified as necessary to combat crime in the capital.
Washington D.C. has faced varying increases and decreases in crime over the past decade, but remains one of the cities with the highest rates of violence in the country.
The presidential decision generated tensions with the city’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, who initially opposed the deployment, arguing that the Metropolitan Police had made real progress in reducing homicides.
However, weeks later the relationship with the White House seemed to improve when both administrations assured to be working in a coordinated manner.
This conflict escalated when, just a week ago, a federal judge ruled that the National Guard’s deployment in the city is illegal, ordering that the troops must withdraw by December 11, 2025.
The federal government has not yet announced whether it will appeal the decision.
Active research and enhanced security
Local authorities reported that the scene will remain secured while evidence, security camera footage and additional testimony are gathered.
Washington Police asked anyone with information to contact their anonymous tip line.
The attack has generated particular concern among residents and federal workers in the area, many of whom are Hispanic.
Community organizations have called for calm and cooperation with the authorities, recalling that attacks against military or police personnel usually generate a broad and rapid response from federal agencies.
Filed under: Shooting in Washington against the National Guard
