A shocking shooting incident unfolded near the White House on Wednesday, November 26, leaving two National Guard members critically wounded and triggering a massive security response in the heart of Washington DC.
Critical Injuries and Immediate Response
Washington DC police confirmed that a suspect is now in custody following the violent attack that targeted two National Guard members. According to law enforcement officials speaking anonymously to the AP, both soldiers sustained critical injuries and were rushed to separate hospitals for emergency treatment.
The current medical condition of the wounded guardsmen remains undisclosed by authorities. Emergency vehicles swarmed the area immediately after the shooting, with at least one helicopter observed landing on the National Mall as part of the coordinated response effort.
Political Leaders React Strongly
Former President Donald Trump issued a powerful statement on Truth Social, condemning the attack in strong terms. He described the perpetrator as "the animal that shot the two National Guardsmen" and confirmed the critical condition of both soldiers.
Trump emphasized that the suspect was "severely wounded" during the incident and promised severe consequences: "...regardless, [the suspect] will pay a very steep price." The former president expressed full support for the National Guard and law enforcement personnel, calling them "truly Great People."
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also addressed the tragedy on social media platform X, urging the public to "join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington DC."
Security Heightened in Capital City
The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration is actively monitoring the tragic situation, noting that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the incident.
This shooting occurs amid heightened security measures in Washington DC, where hundreds of National Guard members from DC and several states have been patrolling the capital. The increased security presence stems from an August emergency order that federalized the local police force and deployed guards from eight states and the District of Columbia to protect the capital.
The Joint DC Task Force acknowledged responding to an incident near the White House but declined to specify whether National Guard members were involved. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police Department confirmed their response to a shooting while providing limited details about the ongoing investigation.
