Two National Guard Members Killed in Shooting Near White House

URGENT UPDATE: Two members of the West Virginia National Guard have tragically died following a shooting near the White House on November 22, 2025. The incident occurred at the intersection of 17th and H Streets, just two blocks northwest of the presidential residence.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed their deaths in a social media post, stating, “We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues.” A suspect is currently in custody and has sustained injuries that are reportedly not life-threatening. Details surrounding the shooting indicate that one guard member was shot in the head, raising urgent concerns about the safety of military personnel in the nation’s capital.

Emergency medical responders rushed all three victims to a nearby hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services. The scene was chaotic, with police tape cordoning off the area as emergency vehicles lit up the streets and helicopters buzzed overhead.

The Joint DC Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department were deployed to the scene shortly after reports of the shooting emerged. Officers from the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also present, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

In a statement on social media, President Donald Trump, who is currently in Florida for Thanksgiving, condemned the shooter, labeling them an “animal” and asserting that they “will pay a very steep price.” He added, “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People.”

The presence of the National Guard in Washington has become a controversial topic, fueling public debate about the military’s role in addressing crime in the city. In light of the shooting, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his sorrow on social media, stating that his “heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting.”

Local officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, are actively monitoring the situation. Bowser had been attending a Thanksgiving event earlier in the day and later held a press conference to address her decision not to seek reelection.

The National Guard’s deployment in Washington has sparked legal battles and public discourse. In August, President Trump issued an emergency order that federalized the local police force and deployed National Guard troops from eight states and D.C. Although the order expired a month later, the troops remained on duty, patrolling neighborhoods and assisting in various public safety roles.

As investigations continue, officials are urging the public to remain vigilant. This shocking event underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding military presence in urban areas and raises urgent questions about public safety in the nation’s capital.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.