Shooting Near White House Leaves Two National Guard Members Critically Wounded
Two National Guard members were critically wounded in a shooting incident near the White House on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred at 17th and I Street NW, just blocks from the presidential residence. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the shooting, while President Trump reported both service members were critically wounded and receiving treatment at separate hospitals. Law enforcement officials secured the scene and took a suspect into custody after an exchange of gunfire that involved approximately 10-15 shots.
Washington D.C. police responded to a shooting incident Wednesday afternoon that left two National Guard members critically wounded near the White House. The incident occurred at the intersection of 17th and I Street NW, just blocks from the presidential residence, prompting immediate law enforcement response and securing of the area.
Incident Details and Response
According to law enforcement officials, the shooting involved approximately 10 to 15 rounds fired during the incident. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that two members of the National Guard were shot in the attack. President Trump later stated on Truth Social that both service members were "critically wounded" and were being treated at separate hospitals following the incident.
The Metropolitan Police Department quickly secured the crime scene and confirmed that a suspect was taken into custody. Senior law enforcement officials reported that the suspect was injured during the incident and transported to a local hospital by ambulance. One of the wounded National Guard members required helicopter transport to a medical facility due to the severity of their injuries.
Official Statements and Monitoring
President Trump was briefed on the shooting while at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, for the Thanksgiving holiday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement confirming that "the White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation." The D.C. National Guard released a statement emphasizing that "the health and safety of our service members is our top priority as we continue to support the citizens and visitors of Washington, D.C."
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called for prayers for the wounded service members, stating "Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington D.C." She confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security was working with local law enforcement to gather additional information about the incident.
National Guard Presence in Washington
The incident highlights the ongoing National Guard presence in Washington D.C., which began in August as part of a broader crime reduction initiative. According to CBS News reporting, thousands of National Guard troops were initially deployed to the city and their presence has been extended multiple times, currently authorized through February 2026. Similar deployments have occurred in other major U.S. cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon during President Trump's second term.
The shooting near the White House represents a significant security incident in one of the most protected areas of the nation's capital. As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack and ensure the safety of both military personnel and civilians in the Washington D.C. area. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by service members deployed in domestic security roles.
