National Guard Ambushed: Shooting Rocks White House Vicinity
In a shocking incident on the eve of Thanksgiving, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were ambushed and shot at point-blank range just steps away from the White House in Washington DC. The bold attack occurred Wednesday afternoon, sending ripples of alarm through the nation's capital and triggering an immediate security response.
Trump's Strong Condemnation and Policy Response
Speaking from Florida, US President Donald Trump delivered a forceful address condemning what he termed a 'monstrous, ambush-styled attack'. He characterized the assault as 'an act of evil and an act of hatred and an act of terror', declaring it a crime against both the nation and humanity. Trump revealed that the suspect in custody is a foreign national from Afghanistan who entered the United States in 2021 during the Biden administration's evacuation flights.
The President announced immediate security measures, including directing the Department of War to mobilize an additional 500 troops to reinforce security in the capital city. He emphasized that America would 'never bend or yield in the face of terror' while ensuring the perpetrators face swift justice.
Investigation Underway Amid Conflicting Reports
According to law enforcement officials, the shooting occurred about two blocks northwest of the White House near a metro station. FBI director Kash Patel and Washington mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed both service members were hospitalized in critical condition. DC police executive assistant chief Jeffrey Carroll stated that video evidence shows the gunman 'rounding the corner and opening fire almost immediately', confirming this was a targeted attack.
Other National Guard members nearby heard the gunshots and rushed to restrain the gunman, who was also wounded during the confrontation. Authorities have taken one suspect into custody, with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the attack, and at least one Guard member exchanged gunfire with the attacker according to unofficial reports.
The incident has intensified the ongoing debate about National Guard deployments in Washington DC, where nearly 2,200 Guard members are currently assigned to the city's joint task force. The Trump administration's deployment of Guard troops has previously sparked legal battles and discussions about using military forces to address urban crime concerns.
