Two National Guard Soldiers Shot Near White House, Prompting Massive Lockdown
Two National Guard soldiers were shot just a block from the White House in Washington DC on Tuesday afternoon, November 26th. The incident sparked a huge police response and partial lockdown around the presidential residence as authorities raced to secure the area.
Shock and Panic in Heart of DC
The shooting happened at around 2:45pm local time near 17th and I Street NW, a bustling spot near Farragut Square packed with office workers and commuters. Metropolitan Police swarmed the scene with dozens of emergency vehicles, while DC Fire and EMS rushed to treat the wounded soldiers.
Officials say the soldiers’ injuries are likely non-life-threatening, but confirmation is still pending. No suspect has been caught yet, and no motive has been made public for the attack on uniformed servicemen.
Huge Security Sweep Near Presidential Grounds
The Metropolitan Police Department swiftly issued an alert urging people to avoid the area. Federal agencies including the Secret Service and US Park Police converged on the site to boost security. The White House perimeter was tightened, though officials confirmed the residence itself was never directly threatened.
Nearby roads were partly closed and office buildings evacuated for safety. Authorities stressed there was no active shooter and reassured the public as the investigation unfolded.
Homeland Security Confirms National Guard Victims
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the victims were National Guard personnel but offered few details. Conflicting reports about the soldiers’ conditions have fuelled confusion and concern among military families and residents alike.
“Secret Service tells me two National Guard members have just been shot near the White House,” tweeted Newsmax journalist Mike Carter.
Independent journalist Nick Sortor added, “A National Guard soldier has reportedly been shot outside the White House. Keep this soldier in your prayers.”
Context: Trump’s Controversial Anti-Crime Guard Deployment
The National Guard presence in DC is part of President Donald Trump’s expanded anti-crime programme launched in August 2025. More than 2,000 Guardsmen from surrounding states have been deployed to patrol high-crime areas of the capital.
The move has sparked heated debate. Critics warn it militarises urban policing dangerously, while supporters highlight a 15% drop in violent crime across key cities since the initiative began.
Today’s shooting throws fresh spotlight on the risks facing guardsmen on the frontline of America’s toughest streets – right in the shadow of power itself.
