Two National Guard members were critically injured near the White House in Washington, D.C., after a gunman opened fire and was subsequently arrested, prompting a lockdown and nationwide attention.
A gunman suspected of targeting two National Guard members near the White House in Washington, D.C., was arrested after being shot and pinned to the ground by guardsmen and Secret Service agents, with the scene cleared by 3 p.m. following a lockdown of the White House and surrounding areas.
President Donald Trump called the shooter an “animal” and vowed he would pay a “very steep price,” while Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described the attack as “cowardly” and announced the deployment of 500 additional troops to the capital.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported the guardsmen had died but later said he was receiving conflicting updates, adding, “Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.” Vice President JD Vance called the incident “a somber reminder” of the risks faced daily by soldiers, urging prayers for the injured.
Democrats and Republicans alike condemned the attack, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stating, “my heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting,” and California Governor Gavin Newsom emphasizing zero tolerance for violence against servicemembers.