The suspect was taken into custody, and the condition of the injured service members is currently unknown. (Image: Cyprus Mail)
A suspect is in custody following a shooting that injured two National Guard members near the White House on Wednesday, November 26. The incident prompted a massive emergency response and temporarily locked down the area, sending law enforcement agencies into action just blocks from the presidential residence. The condition of the two injured service members was not immediately disclosed as authorities worked to piece together the events.
The Washington D.C. Police Department first reported a "critical incident" at the intersection of 17th and I Street, Northwest. This location is approximately a seven-minute walk from the White House, placing it in a high-security zone. Police urged the public to avoid the area as they responded to the scene. Later updates confirmed that the situation had been contained, the area was secured, and a suspect had been taken into custody, though no motive was immediately released.
According to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the two individuals shot were members of the National Guard. She called for prayers for the service members and confirmed that her department was working with local law enforcement to gather information. This was corroborated by a Secret Service spokesman, who stated that two National Guard members were involved and at least one was struck by gunfire. The exact conditions of the injured guardsmen were not made public in the immediate aftermath.
The scene saw a swift and large-scale police response. Journalists reported a major emergency operation, with many police vehicles arriving quickly. Sidewalks were blocked off to foot traffic and cars around the White House complex. White House correspondents noted that press were moved into a briefing room inside the building as a precaution. Independent reports initially suggested the shooter might still be at large, but these were later clarified by official police confirmation of an arrest.
This shooting comes months after President Donald Trump declared a “public safety emergency” in August and sent the National Guard to the city. That move was part of a promised crackdown on crime and homelessness. The incident also took place just ahead of planned Thanksgiving activities at the White House, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the nation's capital even during periods of planned celebration.
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