Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article reported that West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the two National Guard members had died. Morrisey later said his office had received “conflicting reports” about the soldiers’ conditions. FBI Director Kash Patel said they remain in critical condition. (Nov. 26, 2025)
WASHINGTON — Two West Virginia National Guard members who deployed to the nation’s capital were critically injured in a shooting Wednesday just blocks from the White House, authorities said.
FBI Director Kash Patel told reporters that the National Guard troops remain in critical condition.
Earlier in the day, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said in a social media post, “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 shortly afterward, Morrisey wrote, “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.”
A suspect who was in custody also was shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.
Two law enforcement officials and a person familiar with the matter said the suspect was believed to be an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in September 2021 and has been living in Washington state.
The suspect has been identified by law enforcement officials as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, but authorities were still working to fully confirm his background, they said. The people could not discuss details of an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Hours later, in a video message, President Donald Trump called for the reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who entered under the Biden administration.
One of the soldiers was shot in the head, according to a person familiar with the details of the incident who also spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.
Officials said the soldiers were “targeted” by a lone shooter around 2:15 p.m. at 17th Street NW and I Street NW, roughly two blocks from the White House. There are no other suspects, Carroll said.
“A suspect came around the corner, raised his arm with a firearm and discharged it at the National Guard members,” said Jeffery Carroll, an executive assistant chief with the Metropolitan Police Department.
Other National Guard members responded “within moments” to the scene and subdued the suspect, Carroll said.
A motive is not yet clear, Carroll added. Authorities are investigating.
Trump, who is in Florida for Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guardsmen “will pay a very steep price.”
“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington following the shooting. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump asked him to send the extra troops.
In Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Vice President JD Vance urged “everybody who’s a person of faith” to pray for the two guardsmen.
“I think 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,” Vance said as he delivered a Thanksgiving message to troops.
Social media video shared in the immediate aftermath showed first responders attempting CPR on one of the soldiers and treating the other on a glass-covered sidewalk. Other officers could be seen steps away restraining an individual on the ground.
Stacy Walters said she was in a car near the scene when she heard two gunshots and saw people running. Almost instantly, law enforcement swarmed the area. “It’s such a beautiful day. Who would do this, and we’re getting ready for the holidays?”
Emergency medical responders transported all three people to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for DC Fire and Emergency Services.
The presence of the National Guard in the nation’s capital has been a flashpoint issue for months, fueling a court fight and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administration’s use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem.
Trump issued an emergency order in August that federalized the local police force and sent in National Guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia. The order expired a month later, but the troops remained.
The soldiers have patrolled neighborhoods, train stations and other locations, participated in highway checkpoints and also have been assigned to trash pickup and to guard sports events.
Last week, a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment but also put her order on hold for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to either remove the troops or appeal the decision.
More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed to Washington in August. Last week, about 160 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year while the others returned to West Virginia just over a week ago.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated to correct Jeffery Carroll’s title. It previously referred to him as the chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. He is the executive assistant chief. (Nov. 26, 2025)
Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press
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