Shooting near the White House: two National Guardsmen killed, suspect arrested
A shooting near the White House in central Washington has resulted in the death of two members of the U.S. National Guard. The incident took place on November 26 at the intersection of 17th Street and H Street, just a few blocks from the president’s official residence. Emergency services received reports of an armed attack in the afternoon, leading authorities to immediately cordon off the area and begin standard security protocols for threats near key federal facilities. According to the D.C. Metropolitan Police, the attacker fired several shots before being taken into custody. His identity is being established, his motives remain unknown, and investigative teams continue examining the area to rule out the presence of potential accomplices.
According to Vito Maggiolo, spokesperson for D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, both National Guardsmen had sustained critical injuries by the time medical personnel arrived. Despite emergency care and transport to separate hospitals in the capital, both servicemen later died. Their names have not been released pending notification of family members, but authorities confirmed that both were performing official duties at the time of the attack. Another person, reportedly a civilian, was injured and taken to the hospital, where his condition is considered stable.
The incident drew heightened attention due to its proximity to the White House, one of the most heavily secured areas in the United States. The district is under constant protection by the Secret Service, the Metropolitan Police Department, and federal agencies. Following reports of gunfire, additional units were deployed, streets and pedestrian routes were blocked, and public transportation in the surrounding area was temporarily halted. Witnesses reported that for several hours security officials continued searching nearby buildings and surrounding territories, applying established protocols used in federal security threat situations.
President Donald Trump reacted promptly. In an official statement, he stressed that the perpetrator who opened fire on the two Guardsmen would pay “a very high price” for his actions. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump was immediately briefed and remains in contact with law enforcement agencies. The White House described the incident as a tragic event and emphasized that all relevant services are continuing work to determine the motives of the attack and reconstruct the suspect’s actions.
D.C. Police confirmed the arrest of a single individual believed to be the lone shooter. Investigators are examining his movements, contacts, and behavioral history to determine whether the attack was premeditated or impulsive. Additional examinations aim to identify any ideological, political, or criminal elements behind the incident.
The shooting is one of the most serious security breaches in Washington’s protected zone in recent years. It raises questions about safety in the nation’s capital, where critical federal institutions are concentrated. Although the immediate threat has been neutralized, investigative work continues, and authorities stress that further information will be released only after all details are verified and the families of the deceased servicemen have been officially notified.