URGENT UPDATE: Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in a brazen ambush just blocks from the White House on Wednesday evening. Authorities report both service members are now hospitalized in critical condition, raising immediate concerns about the escalation of violence in the nation’s capital.
The attack has been characterized by Washington’s mayor as a “targeted shooting,” prompting a swift response from federal authorities. The FBI is investigating the incident, with a suspect in custody who also sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire. That individual, a 29-year-old Afghan national, entered the United States in 2021 as part of the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome, which aimed to resettle Afghan citizens following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots in the vicinity of the attack, which occurred around 5:30 PM EST, sending shockwaves through the local community. The National Guard members were part of a military presence in Washington, where over 2,000 troops have been deployed under President Donald Trump‘s crime-fighting mission. Some troops are armed and have conducted various public service activities, including park maintenance and graffiti removal.
The incident spotlights growing concerns about safety in the capital and raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures for military personnel deployed in urban areas. As investigations continue, officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The FBI has not yet disclosed further details about the suspect’s motive or background, but the case is expected to develop rapidly. Residents and local officials are left grappling with the aftermath of this shocking act of violence so close to the heart of American governance.
As the situation evolves, authorities will provide updates on the conditions of the injured National Guard members and the ongoing investigation. Communities across the nation are closely monitoring this incident, as it raises significant concerns regarding security and safety in urban environments.
