Tragedy Strikes Near White House: Two West Virginia National Guard Members Killed in D.C. Shooting; Suspect in Custody
A shocking act of violence unfolded in the heart of Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, leaving the nation mourning the loss of two National Guard service members who were fatally shot just a short distance from the White House. The service members, both from the West Virginia National Guard, were deployed to the nation’s capital at the time of the incident.
The shooting occurred in the late afternoon near the intersection of 17th and H Streets Northwest, a busy area that is home to several federal buildings, including the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Local and federal law enforcement, including the Metropolitan Police Department and agents from the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, quickly descended on the scene.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey released a statement confirming the heartbreaking news. He identified the victims as members of the West Virginia National Guard and confirmed that both had tragically succumbed to their injuries. “These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country,” Governor Morrisey said, adding that the state was demanding full accountability for the “horrific act.”
Authorities have confirmed that a suspect in the shooting is in custody. This individual was also shot and injured during the incident, according to law enforcement officials. Emergency medical services transported all three wounded individuals to a local hospital. The suspect’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The incident immediately drew national attention and condemnation. President Donald Trump, who was in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday, was briefed on the situation by his staff. In a strong statement, the President offered his prayers and support for the National Guard and law enforcement community, warning that the shooter “will pay a very steep price.”
This tragic loss comes as hundreds of National Guard members from various states, including West Virginia, are currently deployed in the district. Their presence is part of an emergency order issued by the White House in August, a move intended to bolster the local police force and combat what administration officials have described as an escalating crime problem in D.C. This federal deployment has, itself, been a contentious issue, sparking public policy debate about the use of military forces for civilian law enforcement.
Details about what led to the shooting have not yet been fully released by investigators. The presence of military personnel in Washington, D.C., particularly in such proximity to the White House, typically involves heightened security protocols, making the nature of this attack all the more concerning. Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, and a full briefing with more specific details on the victims, the suspect, and the motive is anticipated in the coming days.
The loss of two members of the West Virginia National Guard is a profound tragedy, underscoring the dangers faced by service members even when deployed domestically. As the investigation moves forward, the nation pauses to offer its condolences and gratitude for the sacrifice made by these two brave West Virginians.