Two National Guard Members Shot Near White House; Suspect in Custody

Two National Guard members were critically injured in a shooting near the White House on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. at the intersection of 17th and I Streets NW, close to the Farragut West Metro station. The suspect, who acted alone, was also injured and is currently in custody.

The White House was placed on lockdown following the shooting. President Donald Trump, who was in Florida at the time, has been briefed on the situation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that officials are "aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation."

Witnesses described a chaotic scene near Farragut Square, a busy area with restaurants and metro access, as shots rang out and pedestrians fled. Emergency responders quickly secured the area, and multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals, ATF, and FBI, responded to the incident.

The National Guard has been deployed in Washington, D.C., since August as part of President Trump's federal initiative to address crime and immigration issues. Approximately 2,200 Guard personnel are currently assigned to the city. In response to the attack, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to the capital.

The identities of the victims and the suspect have not yet been released. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged the public to "join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington D.C."