Two National Guard soldiers were shot this Wednesday around the White House, in downtown Washington and remain in serious condition. Initially, the governor of West Virginia, where the troops were from, had said that both uniformed officers had died. A suspect was injured and arrested.
President Donald Trump is not currently at the residenceas he traveled to his Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday for the long Thanksgiving weekend.
“The animal that shot the two members of the National Guard, both seriously injured and now in two different hospitals, is also seriously injured, but even so, it will pay a very high price,” President Trump posted on his Truth Social network, before learning that both had died.
And he gave a message of condolences and encouragement to those in uniform: “God bless our Great National Guard and all of our military and law enforcement. They are truly great people. I, as President of the United States, and all those associated with the Office of the Presidency, I am with you.”
Shortly after, the governor of West Virginia, Patrick Morrisey, confirmed in his e X account that the troops They had died in hospital from their injuries.s. The members of the National Guard were from that state’s force.
“Our entire state is grieving with their families, their loved ones and the Guard community,” Morrisey said. “West Virginia will never forget your service or sacrificeand we will demand full accountability for this horrible act,” he added.
But later, in another post on the social network, X hinted that both members of the National Guard had not died.
Shortly before, Secretary Noem had announced the incident. “Please join my prayers for the two National Guardsmen who were shot a few moments ago in Washington DC,” the official posted. And he said the Department of Homeland Security is working with agents in the area to obtain more information.
The shooting occurred on the corner of 17th and H streets, less than two blocks from the White Housein front of Lafayette Park and three victims were transported to the hospital, according to a Firefighters spokesperson. It was unclear who the third victim was.
“The White House is alert and actively monitoring the tragic situation.“The president was informed,” said White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.
On the corner where the incident occurred, dozens of patrol cars blocked the place, which had been sealed off. A group of other law enforcement officers were seen gathering outside the entrance to the Club Quarters Hotel, on the corner of 17th and I streets NW, just northwest of the White House. Local police cordoned off several blocks of 17th Street NW and the surrounding area.
A spokesman for Mayor Muriel Bowser said local leaders They were actively monitoring the situation.
The current National Guard deployment officially began following an executive order signed on August 11, 2025, when Trump declared a “crime emergency” in Washington, DC and federalized control of local police.
That order involved the initial sending of National Guard troops to support federal and local forces in patrol tasks, monument security and support functions.
Although the original intervention was intended to be limited, the deployment order was officially extended; According to recent data, the National Guard remains deployed until at least February 28, 2026.