By Andrew StantonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberProminent conservatives reacted to the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House on Wednesday.
Why It Matters
Hundreds of National Guard troops have been stationed in Washington, D.C., since President Donald Trump issued an order in August to bolster law enforcement to deal with crime in the nation’s capital.
The shooting occurred north of the White House on Wednesday afternoon, and officials have confirmed that a suspect is in custody. President Donald Trump said that the suspect will “pay a very steep price” in a post to Truth Social. Law enforcement has not named the suspect nor said what their motive may have been. The status of the victims also remains unclear.
What to Know
The shooting drew reaction from conservatives on social media. Many conservative lawmakers and leaders asked for prayers for the National Guard members and their families, while others blamed Democrats for the shooting.
Kari Lake, senior advisor to the United States Agency for Global Media, said the shooting was “tragic and horrific.”
“My deepest sympathies and prayers are going out to these National Guard members families, and loved ones. And my sincerest gratitude goes out to all of members of the military and law-enforcement who are working every day to make us safe. May the perpetrators be caught and punished in the harshest way possible,” she wrote.
Representative Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican endorsed by Trump in his gubernatorial bid, wrote on X, “PRAY FOR OUR HEROES.”
...Vice President JD Vance addressed the shooting during a press conference.
“It’s a somber reminder that soldiers, whether they’re active duty, reserve or National Guard—our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America,” he said.
Representative Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, wrote to X, “Andy and I are holding the families as well as the two guardsman that were shot in prayers right now. We are getting conflicting information on the status. This is a horrible situation and devastating to the nation.”
Representative Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, wrote to X that his prayers go out to the victims.
“I hope that the gutless thugs who committed this violent act are brought to justice as soon as possible,” he wrote.
Paul A. Szypula, an animator with over 300,000 followers on X, blamed the shooting on Democrats, writing, “Every Democrat who’s demonized law enforcement is responsible for this horror. Pray for the National Guard victims.”
What People Are Saying
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, wrote to X: “We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information. Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.”
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem wrote to X: “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.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, wrote to X: “A suspect is now in custody following the tragic events in D.C. this afternoon. Please join us in prayer for the National Guardsmen who were shot near the White House today, and pray with us for their loved ones too. The National Guard has done heroic work this year working around the clock to make our nation’s capital safe again. We are forever grateful for the swift actions of law enforcement and for all those who risk their own lives to protect everyone else.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, wrote to X: “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.”
What Happens Next
More information about the shooting will later be released.
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