Two National Guard soldiers from West Virginia were shot under unclear circumstances on Wednesday afternoon in central Washington, just metres from the White House, triggering a major federal investigation.
The shooting occurred at around 2:15pm near Farragut North metro station. According to Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeffrey Carroll, a man approached the soldiers at the corner of the street, raised a firearm and opened fire without warning.
Sources cited by CNN say the guardsmen returned fire before the suspect was detained and taken away on a stretcher.
Initial reports claimed both soldiers had died from their injuries, after West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey posted on X expressing his “deep regret” and praising their service. However, hours later FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser clarified that both remain in “critical condition”.
Mayor Bowser described the shooting as a “targeted attack,” while authorities continue searching for the motive. The suspect, currently receiving medical treatment, has not yet been publicly identified.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump reacted strongly on social media, calling the attacker “a beast” who would “pay a very heavy price,” and expressed support for the National Guard and law enforcement.
The incident happened just northwest of the White House, near the Club Quarters hotel. Investigators from the FBI are now reviewing CCTV footage, particularly from the metro station, to establish whether the soldiers were specifically targeted or whether the shooting resulted from an altercation.
American media note that as West Virginia National Guard members, the soldiers were not authorised to fire their weapons in D.C. unless facing an immediate threat to life — a detail that may prove crucial as investigations continue.
