By Mandy TaheriShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberPresident Donald Trump called the shooter of two National Guard members an “animal” on Wednesday, shortly after it was reported that the West Virginia Guard members were shot in the nation’s capital, just blocks from the White House.
In a Truth Social post, the president wrote: “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price.
“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
Shortly after the president's post, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed that both of the National Guard members "passed away from their injuries."
Why It Matters
A suspect has been taken into custody, according to police, and the president said the individual is "severely wounded."
Hundreds of National Guard troops have been stationed in Washington, D.C., since Trump’s August order to bolster law enforcement and crack down on crime in the city.
...What To Know
The two members of West Virginia's National Guard died on Wednesday, the governor confirmed.
Trump was not at the White House when the fatal shooting occurred just before 2:30 p.m. He is celebrating Thanksgiving at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the shooting within minutes, saying: “The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed.”
The D.C. police department wrote in an X post just before 3 p.m. that “one suspect is in custody.” No details about the suspect were publicly released.
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...Emergency vehicles rushed to the area as authorities responded to reports of gunfire next to Farragut Square Park, two blocks north of the White House. The Joint DC Task Force said it was investigating an incident near the White House.
On Tuesday, Trump said during the turkey pardoning that the city had not reported any murders in the past six months, a statistic that the Metropolitan Police Department’s data contradicts, reporting 62 between May and November.
What People Are Saying
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, on X on Wednesday: "It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries. These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues. Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community. West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act."
Homeland Security Kristi Noem, on X on Wednesday: “Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington D.C. @DHSgov is working with local law enforcement to gather more information.”
FBI Director Kash Patel, on X on Wednesday: "FBI is engaged and assisting with the investigation in Washington, D.C. after National Guard members were shot this afternoon. Please pray for them and we will update with more information as we are able."
California Governor Gavin Newsom, on X on Wednesday: "There must be zero tolerance for violence — of any kind — against the brave men and women in uniform who selflessly serve our communities and our country. The shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C. is horrific and unacceptable. Jen and I are praying for the service members, their families, and the entire National Guard community."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, on X on Wednesday: "Praying for the National Guard members wounded in this horrific shooting. Thankful for the brave law enforcement officers and first responders who swiftly apprehended a suspect. There is no place for violence in America."
This is a breaking news story, updates to come.
Update 11/26/25, 3:52 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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