Two West Virginia National Guard members deployed to Washington, D.C., were shot on Wednesday just blocks from the White House in what officials called a targeted attack. FBI Director Kash Patel and Mayor Muriel Bowser said both soldiers were hospitalised in critical condition.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially announced they had died but later retracted the statement, citing conflicting reports. A suspect – reported to be an Afghan national – was taken into custody with non–life-threatening gunshot wounds after at least one of the soldiers returned fire.
In response, the Trump administration ordered an additional 500 Guard troops to the capital, adding to the more than 2,100 already deployed. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage to determine the shooter’s motive. The incident occurred amid ongoing controversy over the months-long Guard presence in Washington. Trump and Vice President JD Vance issued statements expressing support for the troops and urging prayers as investigators continue their work.