WASHINGTON, USA — The White House and several nearby federal buildings were placed on lockdown on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, after two members of the US National Guard were shot near the Farragut metro station in central Washington, prompting heightened security concerns amid an already contentious troop deployment ordered by President Donald Trump.
The DC Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident in a post on X, saying officers were on the scene and urging residents and commuters to avoid the area.
Details about the circumstances of the shooting remained unclear as authorities launched an investigation.
USA Today reported that the lockdown extended beyond the White House to the Main Treasury building, the Freedman’s Bank Building, and other federal offices clustered around Pennsylvania Avenue.
Early reports from West Virginia Governor Patrick Morsey suggested that the guardsmen had died from their injuries.
“It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries,” Morsey wrote on X.
“These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues. Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community. West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act.”
Hours later, Morsey issued a clarification, saying he had received “conflicting reports” about their condition.
“We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information,” he posted.
“Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.”
Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, said Trump had been briefed.
“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation,” she said in a statement.
The shooting occurred against the backdrop of a controversial security operation in the nation’s capital.
National Guard troops have been stationed in Washington for months as part of Trump’s anti-crime initiative, a deployment that has drawn criticism from state governors who have described the policy as “cruel and purposefully inflammatory.”
As of Wednesday, November 26, 2025, authorities had not announced any arrests or identified a suspect.
The lockdown around the White House was lifted after security officials completed initial checks, though a significant police and military presence remained visible across the federal district.
