Authorities in Washington said on November 26, 2025, that two National Guard members were shot near the White House complex, prompting a large law enforcement response and a temporary lockdown at the executive mansion.
The incident unfolded in the Farragut Square area, close to the Farragut West Metro Station and about a mile northwest of the White House. Police said a suspect was taken into custody at the scene. Investigators have not released a motive.
D.C. Fire and EMS said three people were transported to nearby hospitals following the shooting. Officials did not immediately release the conditions of the two service members, and details about the third patient also remained limited as of early afternoon. Uniformed personnel and local officers secured several blocks, and detectives began canvassing businesses that border 17th Street NW between H and I Streets.
What authorities say so far
The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed one suspect was detained soon after the shooting and that the area was safe for first responders to operate. The department said it was working with federal partners to collect video and witness statements.
The U.S. Secret Service and the FBI both responded, standard procedure for incidents that occur within the security perimeter near the White House and federal buildings.
The White House confirmed it was placed on lockdown while officers assessed the situation. President Donald Trump was not on site at the time. A spokesperson said senior staff had been briefed. Officials added that the lockdown was a precautionary step, given the proximity of the shooting to Pennsylvania Avenue and multiple federal facilities.
Location and timeline
Initial reports placed the shooting near the intersection of 17th and H Streets NW, steps from Farragut Square and within walking distance of the West Executive Avenue entrance used by staff and press. The location sits on the edge of a high-traffic corridor that includes office towers, hotels, restaurants, and two Metro stations.
Witnesses described a rapid law enforcement arrival, with police tape stretching across multiple corners and officers directing pedestrians away from the scene.
The nearby Farragut North and Farragut West Metro stations continued to serve passengers during the response, though riders reported temporary street closures that shifted bus routes and rideshare pickups. Several blocks remained closed to foot and vehicle traffic while evidence technicians photographed shell casings and mapped ballistic trajectories.
Federal briefings and interagency response
The FBI took the lead on federal coordination with local police. According to officials, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel were briefed and received continuous updates from the command post.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives deployed agents to assist with evidence collection and to trace any recovered weapon. The D.C. National Guard liaison was also present, a routine step when service members are among the victims.
Law enforcement said it was too early to determine whether the attack specifically targeted the guardsmen or whether they were struck amid a broader altercation. Detectives urged anyone with cellphone video from the area to contact police and asked nearby businesses to preserve surveillance recordings.
