U.S. Authorities say two West Virginia Guardsmen were shot in downtown Washington, sparking a major security response as investigators work to determine the motive.
Washington witnessed two West Virginia National Guardsmen shot on Wednesday November 26, 2025, in the heart of the US capital, prompting a swift law enforcement response and raising new questions about the months-long deployment of troops in Washington, DC.
The incident unfolded near the busy Farragut West Metro Station, an area packed with commuters and office workers. Early reports from officials and sources familiar with the investigation indicate the Guardsmen exchanged gunfire with a suspected shooter before they were hit. The suspect was detained at the scene and taken away on a stretcher.
Authorities have not released the conditions of the two Guardsmen. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially said the soldiers were believed to be dead, but later clarified that conflicting information was emerging. Federal and local investigators say no additional victims have been identified.
The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that the scene was secured and urged the public to avoid the area as the investigation continued. Witnesses described a chaotic moment, with one woman telling CNN she heard several shots before seeing a group of people attempting to resuscitate victims on the ground.
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Joint Task Force – DC, the office overseeing National Guard activities in the capital, acknowledged that several of its members were involved in the shooting and said it was cooperating fully with law enforcement.
President Donald Trump, who has maintained an active National Guard deployment in Washington as part of a sweeping anti-crime initiative, was briefed on the episode. On Truth Social, he condemned the attacker, saying the individual would “pay a very steep price.”
Vice President JD Vance, speaking earlier at an event in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, called for prayers for the Guardsmen, whom he said were in critical condition when he was informed. He described the shooting as a solemn reminder of the risks faced by US service members, whether active duty, reserve, or National Guard.
Thousands of Guard troops have been in Washington since August 2025, when President Trump authorized their deployment with expanded law enforcement powers. The mission later spread to other US cities as part of a wider federal crackdown.
However, the legality of the deployment is now the subject of an intense court battle. A federal Judge ruled last week that the administration overstepped its authority in mobilizing the Guard, noting that more than 2,000 troops had been stationed in Washington daily. The judge allowed the deployment to continue temporarily while the administration pursues an appeal.
The investigation into Wednesday’s shooting remains ongoing, and officials say more details will be released as they are confirmed.