One of the most secure areas of Washington was breached on Wednesday when a shooter injured two National Guard troops near the White House. The suspect was also critically injured in the incident and remains in custody.Top officials in the Trump administration scrambled to address the issue as authorities quickly contained the situation.
Here are the top developments:
Suspect identified as Afghan nationalAdditional National Guard troops to be sentThe Trump administration has ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington following the White House shooting that raised security concerns, according to secretary of war Pete Hegseth.Trump vows action against ‘animal’In a post on Truth Social, the POTUS said: “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!” – President Donald J. Trump”Trump was not in the White House when the incident happened. He was in Florida for Thanksgiving.White House on lockdownThe White House was placed on lockdown after the incident, according to USA Today and other US media outlets. Lockdowns were also ordered at the Main Treasury and the Freedman’s Bank Building, reports said.FBI assisting with the investigation.In a post on X, Patel said: “FBI is engaged and assisting with the investigation in Washington, DC after National Guard members were shot this afternoon. Please pray for them and we will update with more information as we are able.”He also gave an updated on the two soldiers revealing that they were both “critical condition” amid conflicting reports claiming they died.Deputy director of FBI Dan Bongino also addressed the action being taken. “FBI personnel are assisting with the investigation into the shooting of our National Guard members in D.C. Please take a moment and pray for these heroes and their families. God bless America, and all those who defend Her,” said Bongino on X.Patel also condemned the shooting of two National Guardsmen as a “heinous act” and pledged to bring those responsible to justice. “Since this is an assault on a federal law enforcement officer, this will be treated at the federal level as an assault on a federal law enforcement officer,” Patel said.He added that “the FBI will lead out on that mission with our interagency partners to include the Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, ATF, DEA, and we’re thankful for the mayor’s assistance in this matter,” referring to Mayor Muriel Bowser, who stood beside him at the afternoon news conference.Flights temporarily paused at Reagan NationalIncoming flights to Reagan Washington National Airport were briefly halted because aircraft responding to the shooting involving two National Guardsmen were operating in the area, the Federal Aviation Administration said.Departures were unaffected, and normal operations have since resumed.The airport, located just outside the federal district, sits on the same rail line as the station near the shooting scene. Other major airports in the region — Dulles International and Baltimore–Washington International — were not affected.Vice president JD Vance acknowledged the incident in a public appearanceJD Vance on Washington, DC shooting: “I want everybody who’s a person of faith to say a prayer for those two National Guardsmen…it’s a somber reminder that soldiers…are the sword and the shield of the United States of America.”Additionally, Attorney general Pam Bondi said on X: “Federal agents are on the scene of the horrific shooting of 2 National Guardsmen in Washington, DC,” adding, “PRAY for our DC National Guard.”Joe Biden reactsFormer President Joe Biden condemned the incident in a social media post. “Jill and I are heartbroken that two members of the National Guard were shot outside the White House. Violence of any kind is unacceptable, and we must all stand united against it. We are praying for the service members and their families,” he said.Witnesses sheltered in a nearby caféTwo women had just exited a metro station when shots rang out and someone shouted, “Run.”Emma McDonald and Leila Christopher told the AP they sprinted to a nearby café, where they took cover with others — including a person who said they heard six shots fired in rapid succession.Minutes later, McDonald saw an EMT truck arrive. She said responders wheeled out a stretcher carrying a National Guard member with his head covered in blood. Eventually, those inside the café were told the area had been secured.Democrat Chuck Schumer also weighed inTaking to X he said: “My heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting in Washington DC near the White House.” “I am closely monitoring the situation and am praying for the wounded National Guardsmen and their families,” he added.“I thank all the first responders for their quick action to capture the suspect.”
