Two members of the National Guard were shot just a few blocks from the White House and are currently in ‘critical condition,’ according to the FBI.
FBI Director Kash Patel characterized the shooting as both “brazen” and “heinous,” pledging to bring those involved to justice.
He stated: “We have assembled the full force of the federal and state and local law enforcement agencies to bring to bear all of our resources, to make sure we find the perpetrators responsible for this heinous act and make no mistake, they will be brought to justice.”
Patel also expressed hope that the public would keep the injured in their thoughts as they receive medical attention in the hospital.
Local Metropolitan Police Chief Jeff Carrol provided additional details, saying, “Both of the individuals, the guard members, they are in critical condition at a local hospital at this time, being treated. At this point, we have no other suspects. We have reviewed video from the area. It appears, like I said, to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard, and he was quickly taken into custody by other National Guard members.”
Authorities confirmed to the BBC that three individuals were taken to the hospital, but the identity and status of the third person remain unknown. Law enforcement officials informed CBS that the suspect, now in custody, was also injured and has been hospitalized, with their condition still unspecified.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, stated, “The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed.”
Currently in Palm Springs for Thanksgiving, President Trump reacted to the incident on Truth Social, saying, “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 are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
The shooting occurred around 2:20 p.m. ET at the Farragut West Metro station entrance, close to the busy intersection of 17th and I St NW in Washington, D.C.
Following the attack on Wednesday, the Defense Department announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, as stated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth described the shooting as “cowardly” and “dastardly,” asserting that it would “only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington D.C. safe and beautiful.”
The suspect has been detained and will face charges for assaulting a federal officer.
Since August, over 2000 National Guard troops have been stationed in Washington as part of Trump’s efforts to maintain law and order, a move that has spurred some controversy. Federal control of the city’s police and troop mobilization were part of Trump’s strategy to crack down on crime, with officers frequently patrolling metro stations, tourist spots, and landmarks.