The White House in Washington, DC.

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

This story has been updated.

Two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot near the White House in an incident in which a suspect has been apprehended.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that the guardsman had both died in a post on X at 3:42 p.m., stating: "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."

But at 4:04 p.m., Morrissey wrote in a new post: "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."

The two are in critical condition, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.

The incident occurred close to Farragut Square at the intersection of 17th and I Streets NW in Washington, DC, on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 26, just northwest of the White House.

DC Metropolitan Police said in a post on social media: "The scene is secured. One suspect is in custody."

In August 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order declaring a "crime emergency" in Washington, DC, and thousands of National Guard personnel from the District and several Republican-led states were sent in to patrol the city's streets and federal lands.

The action faced immediate legal challenges from DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb, leading to a federal judge ruling the deployment unlawful late last week and ordering an end to it. The order was stayed for 21 days to allow for an appeal. 

Trump is currently at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, and was not in the area at the time of the incident.

In a post on Truth Social about an hour after the incident, Trump said, “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."

The incident prompted a swift response from emergency personnel and law enforcement agencies. A perimeter has been established around the area as investigations continue.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear.

"Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington DC," Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, posted on social media at around 3 p.m., noting that DHS "is working with local law enforcement to gather more information."

The situation is still developing, with authorities actively working to gather more information.

Check back to Daily Voice for updates.