Two members of the National Guard were wounded after exchanging gunfire with a suspect, who was apprehended, near the White House, sparking reactions from President Donald Trump and several politicians.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of the two West Virginia National Guard members who were shot this morning in Washington, DC,” Governor Patrick wrote Morrisey, but later corrected the report. The soldiers are seriously injured in a hospital in the US capital.

The events occur as 57% of multicultural Americans acknowledge concern about political violence in the country, according to the most recent My Code Intelligence Center poll for this newspaper.

52% even indicate concern about the danger in their communities due to political violence in the US, with concern increasing from 2024 to 2025.

President Donald Trump called the shooter, who is reportedly injured, “an animal.”

“He will pay a very high price,” the president said. "God bless our great National Guard and all of our Armed Forces and Law Enforcement. They are truly extraordinary people. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the President, stand with you!" Trump posted on Truth Social. According to a CNN report, the suspect approached the service members and began shooting at them, wounding one first, while another hid at a bus stop. The man arrested was not carrying identification and is reportedly not cooperating with authorities. The president ordered the deployment of more National Guard troops, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. “This will only strengthen our resolve to ensure that Washington, DC is a safe and beautiful place,” he stated. An additional 500 troops would be deployed to the US capital.

How did the attack happen?

Some witnesses revealed moments of the attack, but the DC Metropolitan Police Department offered some details, although it specified that the investigation is still ongoing.

“At approximately 2:15 this afternoon,DC administration members were conducting high-visibility patrols in the area […] when a suspect appeared around the corner, raised his arm with a firearm, and fired at the National Guard members," said Jeff Carroll, executive assistant to the DC Metropolitan Police Department. "There were other National Guard members in the area. After an exchange of gunfire, they were able to subdue the individual.”

The National Guard members are being treated at a local hospital, but their medical condition was not specified.

“DC emergency medical personnel responded to the scene to provide assistance and transport the individuals to a local hospital,” Carroll stated. “The suspect in this case was also transported to a local hospital for treatment.” Carroll added that there are no indications of any other suspects, “he is a lone gunman” and “he was quickly apprehended by other members of the National Guard and law enforcement officers.” DC Mayor Muriel Bowser stated that she has been in contact with President Trump and that there is ongoing coordination with the Department of Justice, particularly with Attorney General Pamela Bondi. FBI Director Kash Patel praised the work of the National Guard members and their coordination with Major Bowser. "We appreciate the mayor's assistance in this matter. The Metropolitan Police Department and its ability to investigate homicides and shootings in the city are exceptional," Patel said. “We will work collaboratively, because this is a matter of national security, because it is a matter of pride. President Trump has been informed that we have been in contact with the White House.”

Message for gun control

DC District 2 Councilwoman Brooke Pinto, whose jurisdiction includes Farragut Square Park near the shooting, shared a statement on social media shortly after the shooting.

“Today's shooting near the White House is devastating and unacceptable,” Pinto stated. “As a councilwoman representing this area and chair of the Justice and Public Safety Committee, I am deeply shaken and saddened that two National Guard soldiers were injured in a shooting.”

Pinto considered this attack an additional call to strengthen the fight against gun use in the US

“We must be more proactive as a country to eradicate firearms from our streets. “I am actively working to clarify what happened,” he stated.

“DC emergency medical personnel responded to the scene to provide assistance and transport the individuals to a local hospital,” Carroll stated. “The suspect in this case was also transported to a local hospital for treatment.” Carroll added that there are no indications of any other suspects, “he is a lone gunman” and “he was quickly apprehended by other members of the National Guard and law enforcement officers.” DC Mayor Muriel Bowser stated that she has been in contact with President Trump and that there is ongoing coordination with the Department of Justice, particularly with Attorney General Pamela Bondi. FBI Director Kash Patel praised the work of the National Guard members and their coordination with Major Bowser. "We appreciate the mayor's assistance in this matter. The Metropolitan Police Department and its ability to investigate homicides and shootings in the city are exceptional," Patel said. "We will work collaboratively, because this is a matter of national security, because it is a matter of pride. President Trump has been informed that we have been in contact with the White House."

Message for gun control

DC District 2 Councilwoman Brooke Pinto, whose jurisdiction includes Farragut Square Park near the shooting, shared a statement on social media shortly after the shooting.

“Today's shooting near the White House is devastating and unacceptable,” Pinto stated. “As a councilwoman representing this area and chair of the Justice and Public Safety Committee, I am deeply shaken and saddened that two National Guard soldiers were injured in a shooting.”

Pinto considered this attack an additional call to strengthen the fight against gun use in the US

“We must be more proactive as a country to eradicate firearms from our streets.”I am actively working to clarify what happened,” he stated.

“DC emergency medical personnel responded to the scene to provide assistance and transport the individuals to a local hospital,” Carroll stated. “The suspect in this case was also transported to a local hospital for treatment.” Carroll added that there are no indications of any other suspects, “he is a lone gunman” and “he was quickly apprehended by other members of the National Guard and law enforcement officers.” DC Mayor Muriel Bowser stated that she has been in contact with President Trump and that there is ongoing coordination with the Department of Justice, particularly with Attorney General Pamela Bondi. FBI Director Kash Patel praised the work of the National Guard members and their coordination with Major Bowser. "We appreciate the mayor's assistance in this matter. The Metropolitan Police Department and its ability to investigate homicides and shootings in the city are exceptional," Patel said. "We will work collaboratively, because this is a matter of national security, because it is a matter of pride. President Trump has been informed that we have been in contact with the White House."

Message for gun control

DC District 2 Councilwoman Brooke Pinto, whose jurisdiction includes Farragut Square Park near the shooting, shared a statement on social media shortly after the shooting.

“Today's shooting near the White House is devastating and unacceptable,” Pinto stated. “As a councilwoman representing this area and chair of the Justice and Public Safety Committee, I am deeply shaken and saddened that two National Guard soldiers were injured in a shooting.”

Pinto considered this attack an additional call to strengthen the fight against gun use in the US

“We must be more proactive as a country to eradicate firearms from our streets.”I am actively working to clarify what happened,” he stated.President Trump has been informed that we have been in contact with the White House.”