Fast, Multijurisdictional Response
Officers from the Metropolitan Police, U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation converged on the area within minutes of the first 911 calls reporting an active shooter. The Department of Homeland Security said it is coordinating with local authorities as evidence is collected and witness statements are gathered.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as commuters fled the Metro entrance and nearby office buildings sheltered in place. A U.S. Capitol Police helicopter landed on the National Mall to evacuate one of the wounded soldiers, while emergency medical teams transferred the second victim by ambulance.
Official Reactions
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially stated on the social-media platform X that the soldiers had died, later clarifying that conflicting information about their conditions was still being evaluated. “Denise and I are devastated,” he wrote, pledging full support for the families. Morrisey said state resources would remain available as the investigation continues.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump, spending the Thanksgiving holiday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, had been briefed. The White House was placed on lockdown for roughly an hour as a precaution. In a post on his social-media platform, Trump condemned the gunman and praised the National Guard, vowing that the suspect “will pay a very steep price.”
Vice President JD Vance, speaking to service members during a pre-Thanksgiving event at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, called the attack “a somber reminder” of the risks faced by U.S. troops, whether active-duty or reserve. He added that investigators are still determining a motive.
Imagem: Internet
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth released a video statement from the Pentagon, labeling the shooting a “cowardly, dastardly act.” Hegseth said the president directed him to deploy an additional 500 troops to the District of Columbia to reinforce existing National Guard units. Approximately 2,188 Guard personnel have been operating in the capital since August, when the administration ordered a federal security takeover of the city.
Location and Security Context
The shooting occurred roughly three blocks northwest of the White House, an area that includes government offices, restaurants and one of the city’s busiest transit corridors. The Farragut West station is a key hub for commuters traveling on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
On Tuesday, during the annual presidential turkey pardon ceremony, Trump cited the federal deployment as proof that Washington had become “a totally safe city.” Wednesday’s violence marked the first reported attack on National Guard personnel in the District since the deployment began.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Detectives spent much of the afternoon mapping the crime scene, gathering shell casings and reviewing nearby surveillance footage. Authorities have not released details on the type of firearm recovered or the number of rounds fired. Police said a comprehensive briefing would be provided once the victims’ families are notified and preliminary forensic work is concluded.
Officials urged anyone who witnessed the incident or who has relevant video to contact the Metropolitan Police tip line. The department added that additional patrols would remain visible around major transit points and federal buildings through the Thanksgiving weekend.
Crédito da imagem: Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images
