Guards Shot Near the White House as Confusion, Lockdowns and Expanding Federal Troop Presence Grip Washington

November 26, 2025

Two National Guard members from West Virginia were critically wounded in a targeted shooting near the White House on Wednesday, prompting an immediate lockdown of government buildings and deployment of emergency response teams. The attack occurred amid an already controversial federal troop deployment of over 2,300 National Guard personnel ordered by President Trump, which local officials have legally challenged as an illegal occupation. Despite a federal judge's recent ruling declaring the initial deployment unlawful, President Trump responded to the shooting by requesting 500 additional troops for Washington.

Who is affected

Two National Guard members from West Virginia (critically wounded)
President Donald Trump
D.C. residents and federal workers in downtown Washington
Over 2,300 National Guard troops currently deployed in Washington
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey
FBI Director Kash Patel
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
Commuters and pedestrians in the affected area
Federal agencies and their personnel

What action is being taken

The FBI is investigating the shooting as an assault on federal law enforcement officers
Federal agencies are coordinating to determine the suspect's motive
The two wounded Guardsmen are receiving medical treatment in critical condition
Over 2,300 National Guard troops are patrolling Metro stations, major corridors, and public parks under federal command
The suspect is being held and questioned (though not cooperating)

Why it matters

This shooting represents a direct attack on military personnel in the nation's capital and highlights the risks associated with the massive federal troop deployment that has already been ruled illegal by a federal court. The incident escalates tensions in an already volatile situation where local D.C. officials have legally challenged Trump's federalization of city police and deployment of National Guard troops as unconstitutional. The attack validates warnings from a federal judge about the "substantial risk of deadly encounters" resulting from this military presence and raises serious questions about public safety strategy in the capital.

What's next

President Trump has requested an additional 500 National Guard troops for deployment to Washington
Officials are awaiting verified information about the Guardsmen's conditions
The federal court's ruling declaring the deployment illegal is paused pending appeal

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer