2 National Guard members injured in ambush shooting near White House

UPDATE: The suspect has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, according to officials. Full story.

Two members of the National Guard were shot in an ambush-style attack near the White House and were reported to be in critical condition, according to state and federal officials. The suspect, who was also shot, is in custody.

The shooting was reported on Wednesday afternoon at 17th and I Street NW, just north of the White House grounds, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). CBS News, citing federal law enforcement sources, reported that the guardsmen were targeted in what was described as an ambush attack.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told reporters he was notified that two National Guardsmen had been critically wounded in what he called “a cowardly, desperate act targeting the best of America.” He said the shooting occurred “just steps away from the White House.”

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially said both members of the West Virginia National Guard had died, but later said the state was receiving conflicting information about their conditions. Authorities have not released the names of the service members.

MPD said one suspect was taken into custody, but no details have been released about the person’s identity, injuries, or motive. NBC News reported that the suspect was also shot after an exchange of gunfire with the National Guard troops.

The White House and several nearby federal buildings were placed on temporary lockdown as police secured the area, according to officials. The president was at Mar-a-Lago in Florida at the time of the shooting.

“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded… is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price,” Trump said in a social media post.

Hegseth announced that President Trump directed him to request an additional deployment of 500 National Guard members to Washington, D.C. “We will never back down, we will secure our capital, we will secure our cities,” Hegseth said. He added that officials are “following this very closely” and receiving information “rapidly.”

Footage from the scene showed the guardsmen receiving emergency aid near a bus stop with shattered glass around the shelter. A significant law enforcement and emergency response presence could be seen throughout the area.