Trump Responds After ‘Monstrous Attack’ Near White House

Two West Virginia National Guard members were critically injured Wednesday afternoon when a gunman opened fire only blocks from the White House, forcing immediate street closures and a large security response across downtown Washington.

The shooting happened shortly after 2 p.m. near 17th and I Street NW, an area already heavily monitored due to an ongoing federal security deployment. Officials said the guardsmen were ambushed while on routine foot patrol near Farragut West Metro Station.

Initial confusion surrounded their condition, as early reports falsely claimed they had died. Authorities later confirmed both were alive but in critical condition. The suspect, identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national who had been granted asylum earlier this year, was also wounded and taken into custody.

Law enforcement quickly sealed off surrounding streets as federal agents, police, medics, and the Secret Service secured the area. The White House tightened its internal security, halted movement, and rerouted nearby traffic and transit.

President Donald Trump denounced the attack as terrorism in a statement from Florida, vowing harsh consequences for the shooter. His administration then suspended all immigration processing for Afghan nationals while vetting procedures are reevaluated.

Trump also ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, expanding an already controversial deployment that a federal court recently ruled likely unlawful. The shooting is expected to intensify debate over the Guard’s role in civilian policing.

Investigators say the attacker appeared to act alone, firing at close range before being subdued. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is examining his background, motives, and any ideological ties, while the city remains under heightened security as the investigation continues.