Two National Guardsmen Shot Near White House: Investigation Underway

Two members of the US National Guard were shot in Washington, DC, near the White House on November 23, 2023. The incident unfolded in Farragut Square, a popular area for office workers, leading to a significant law enforcement response and lockdown of the building. Initial reports indicated that both guardsmen had died from their injuries, but subsequent updates pointed to conflicting information about their condition.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially announced on social media that both victims were from his state’s National Guard and had succumbed to their wounds. However, he later issued a correction citing uncertainty regarding their status. Law enforcement confirmed that one suspect was taken into custody and that the area was secured following the shooting.

At the time of the incident, President Donald Trump was in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday. He described the suspect as an “animal” and noted that the individual was “severely wounded.” Reports indicated that the two guardsmen engaged in gunfire with the attacker before sustaining their injuries, though details surrounding the suspect’s injuries remain unclear.

Witness accounts painted a chaotic scene. Stacey Walters, 43, was in an Uber near the White House around 14:15 ET (19:15 GMT) when she heard loud booms and saw pedestrians fleeing. She reported hearing cries for help and observed individuals she believed to be US Secret Service agents pursuing a suspect in a hooded sweatshirt.

The shooting triggered a comprehensive response from multiple security agencies, including the Metropolitan Police and the Metro Transit Police. The National Guard has been present in Washington since August 2023, following a deployment by President Trump aimed at addressing immigration and crime in Democratic-led cities. As of November 22, approximately 2,200 National Guard troops were stationed in the capital, including personnel from states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama.

The deployment of the National Guard has been a contentious issue, with President Trump claiming that crime has significantly decreased in the capital due to their presence. This assertion has drawn criticism from various Democratic leaders, who argue against the militarization of the city.

As investigations continue, the incident has raised concerns about security in the vicinity of the White House and the ongoing presence of National Guard troops in urban areas. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under scrutiny as law enforcement works to piece together the events leading up to this alarming incident.