Guardsmen shooting near White House draws bipartisan outrage
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Lawmakers from across the political spectrum began expressing their support following news that two West Virginia National Guard members were shot blocks from the White House on Wednesday afternoon.
Following news of the shooting, members of the West Virginia delegation responded quickly, as did Vice President J.D. Vance and President Donald Trump, who referred to the suspected attacker as an “animal.”
As details of the attack emerged, Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform: “The animal was also seriously injured when it shot two National Guardsmen, both of whom were seriously injured and are currently being treated in two separate hospitals, but no matter what, it will pay a very heavy price.”
“God bless our Great National Guard and our entire Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great Men. I, as President of the United States of America, and all those connected with the Office of the President, stand with you!”
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Republican West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said he and his wife were “devastated” to hear the news.
FBI Director Kaş Patel He stated that two West Virginia National Guardsmen were in critical condition, correcting Morrisey’s earlier report that the pair were dead.
Republican West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said he and his wife were “devastated” to hear the news. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
West Virginia’s two Republican senators also joined in, offering their thoughts and prayers, but did not provide any additional details. Democrats in the state also gave messages of support.
“Our hearts are heavy for the two members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot tonight in Washington, D.C.,” D-Kanawha, chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party, told Fox News. “This cowardly and tragic act of violence should never happen in this country, and our hearts mourn for the families dealing with this senseless tragedy.
“This tragedy transcends party lines. Two families will now have to spend Thanksgiving in pain for their loved ones who did nothing wrong and answered the call of duty. We honor the service, sacrifice and courage of these soldiers. We hope and pray for the best. These young men and their brothers and sisters in uniform represent the best of us and the best of West Virginia.”
Democrats outside West Virginia also spoke; They included the party’s top national leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said of the shooting: “There must be zero tolerance for any form of violence against the brave men and women in uniform who selflessly serve our communities and our country.” (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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“There must be zero tolerance for any form of violence against the brave men and women in uniform who selflessly serve our communities and our country,” Newsom said of the shooting. “The shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C. is horrific and unacceptable. Jen and I pray for the soldiers, their families, and the entire National Guard community.”
Maryland Democratic Governor Wes Moore also reached across the aisle to offer assistance to Morrisey.
“We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and hold the Guard, their families and their loved ones in our hearts,” Moore said. “I reached [Morrisey] And [Capito] offer any support. “We are monitoring the situation closely for updates.”
Police officers secure the area with crime scene tape after a shooting in downtown Washington on Nov. 26, 2025. (Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images)
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Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Administrator Jeffery Carroll claimed Wednesday that a lone gunman “came around the corner” in an “ambush” style attack and opened fire on two National Guardsmen. Other National Guard members nearby also heard the gunshots and intervened, restraining the suspect after he was shot, Carroll said.
While it remains unclear who fired the gun that injured the suspect, the identity of the suspect has not yet been determined.
Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
