❓WHAT HAPPENED: Two National Guardsmen were shot outside the White House in Washington, D.C. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially confirmed both had died, but now says he is receiving “conflicting reports” about the victims. War Secretary Pete Hegseth has described the attack as targeted and requested 500 additional troops.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: National Guard members and law enforcement officials, as well as an alleged suspect believed to be in police custody as of 2:58 PM EST.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Outside the White House, November 26, in the 2PM EST hour.
💬KEY QUOTE: “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price!” – President Donald J. Trump.
🎯IMPACT: Increased security measures and restricted access around the White House, as well as major government departments and Capitol Hill.
After The National Pulse confirmed through multiple high-level U.S. government sources that “at least” two National Guard members had been shot close to the White House in Washington, D.C., West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed that both belonged to the Mountain State’s guard, and that both have since passed away. However, he later said he is “now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information.”
War Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the shooter was “targeting” the National Guard, with CBS and CNN also citing sources describing the shooting as a targeted attack. Hegseth has requested 500 additional troops in D.C. in response to the attack.
As of 2:58 PM, one alleged suspect is believed to be in police custody, with sources suggesting there may be a second suspect.
UPDATE: The scene is secured. One suspect is in custody.
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) November 26, 2025
Mayor Muriel Bowser and President Trump have been briefed on the situation, with the latter in Palm Beach, Florida, for the Thanksgiving holiday.
At 3:23PM, President Trump posted on Truth Social: “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. God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
Kellie Meyer of NewsNation reported significant police and Secret Service activity in the vicinity immediately after the incident, noting that sidewalks were entirely blocked off to both foot traffic and vehicles. The press was relocated to the briefing room inside the White House as authorities continued to gather more information on the situation, and the White House complex was placed on lockdown.
A massive police presence is currently downtown in Washington, D.C., as well as on Capitol Hill this afternoon, following the incident.
Huge emergency response just a block from White House amid reports of a shooting pic.twitter.com/ngst8YUa33
— Rob Crilly (@robcrilly) November 26, 2025
Critical Incident: MPD is on the scene of a shooting at 17th and I Street, NW. Please avoid the area. Updates to come.
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) November 26, 2025
This is a developing story, and further updates are anticipated as more information becomes available.
Orange/Blue/Silver Line: The East side (17th Street) entrance at Farragut West Station is closed because of a police investigation. The West side (18th Street) entrance remains open.
— Metrorail Info (@Metrorailinfo) November 26, 2025
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