Gunfire just blocks from the White House left two West Virginia National Guard members critically injured in what officials described as a targeted attack. The troops had been deployed to Washington, DC, as part of ongoing federal security efforts. FBI Director Kash Patel and Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed the soldiers were hospitalized in critical condition. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially announced they had died, but later retracted the statement, citing conflicting information.
Authorities said a suspect, who was also wounded, was taken into custody with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. The individual’s identity and motive have not yet been disclosed, and the investigation remains active. Officials have released few details while law enforcement continues to piece together what led to the shooting.
In response to the attack, President Donald Trump ordered an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed he acted at the president’s request. According to the latest government figures, 2,188 troops were already assigned to the joint task force overseeing operations in the city.
