U.S. Marshals and National Guard troops are seen near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.AP Photo/Evan VucciBreaking: Fatal Shooting at Farragut West Metro Station
Two West Virginia National Guard members were killed in a targeted shooting near the White House on Wednesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the nation's capital. The attack occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET at the entrance to the Farragut West Metro station, just blocks from the presidential residence, according to law enforcement officials who characterized the incident as a deliberate ambush.
Witnesses at Farragut Square reported hearing multiple gunshots before fleeing the area in panic. Secret Service agents were observed behind police tape with weapons drawn as the scene unfolded in one of Washington's busiest downtown corridors during the afternoon rush.
West Virginia Guardsmen Identified as Victims
Both victims were members of the West Virginia National Guard who were deployed to Washington, DC, as part of federal security operations. The Guardsmen were engaged in high-visibility patrols at the time of the attack, performing duties assigned under the Trump administration's expanded National Guard deployment in the capital.
The two service members were initially reported in critical condition but succumbed to their injuries despite emergency medical treatment. Their identities are being withheld pending notification to their families.
Suspect Apprehended After Ambush Attack
A suspect was apprehended at the scene with non-life-threatening injuries following the shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest while authorities launched an investigation into the motive behind the attack.
Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the incident, describing it as a targeted shooting rather than a random act of violence. Metropolitan Police Department officers secured the area as federal investigators joined the response effort.
Law Enforcement Response and White House Lockdown
The White House was placed on lockdown immediately following the shooting as a security precaution. President Trump, who was at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, at the time, was briefed on the situation by senior officials.
Trump later posted on Truth Social, responding to the attack before the fatalities were officially confirmed. The president expressed condolences and vowed to ensure the safety of military personnel serving in the nation's capital.
National Guard Deployment Under Trump's DC Federal Takeover
The shooting highlights growing tensions surrounding the federal military presence in Washington, DC. In August, President Trump issued an emergency order deploying hundreds of National Guard troops to the capital as part of a controversial federal takeover that bypassed local authority.
2,188 Guard Personnel Assigned to Capital Security
Currently, 2,188 National Guard personnel are assigned to security operations throughout Washington, DC. These troops have been conducting patrols, manning checkpoints, and providing what the administration calls an "enhanced security presence" in response to concerns about crime.
The deployment has sparked constitutional debates about federal authority versus local governance, with Mayor Bowser previously objecting to the military presence. The National Guard members have become a visible fixture across downtown Washington, marking a significant shift in the capital's security landscape.
Political Reactions and Security Implications
The fatal attack has reignited debates about both the safety of deployed Guard members and the broader strategy of military deployment in American cities. Federal officials are reviewing security protocols for National Guard patrols in high-traffic civilian areas.
Trump Requests an Additional 500 Troops
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, President Trump requested the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, DC. The request signals an escalation of the administration's security posture despite concerns from local leaders and civil liberties advocates.
Congressional members from both parties offered condolences to the families of the fallen Guardsmen while calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Defense officials are expected to conduct a comprehensive review of force protection measures for National Guard personnel operating in urban environments.
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