Two National Guard soldiers were critically injured in a targeted attack near the White House on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, sparking heightened security alerts across Washington, D.C. The assailant was subdued by responding troops and remains in custody with gunshot wounds sustained during the confrontation.
Timeline of the Attack
The incident occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. ET near Farragut Square, a busy commercial area less than 500 meters from presidential grounds. Metropolitan Police confirmed the suspect ambushed a high-visibility patrol unit before being neutralized in an exchange of gunfire.
Ongoing Investigation
Federal authorities have not disclosed the shooter's identity or motive but confirmed they believe the attack was carried out by a lone individual. The wounded soldiers, deployed from West Virginia's National Guard contingent, underwent emergency surgery and remain in critical condition as of Thursday morning.
Security Implications
This incident occurs amid the continued presence of 2,200 National Guard troops in the capital, initially deployed in August 2025 as part of enhanced security measures. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to deploy 500 additional personnel following the attack.
Witness accounts describe chaotic scenes as office workers fled the popular lunch district, with bystander Mike Ryan recalling: "I saw two soldiers on the ground while others were pinning someone down across the street."
The White House complex was temporarily locked down during the incident, though no senior government figures were present at the time. An FBI-led joint task force continues to analyze evidence from multiple city surveillance systems.
