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(NEXSTAR) — Initially, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the tragic death of two National Guard members shot in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. However, he later revealed that there are now “conflicting reports” regarding their condition.
At approximately 3:45 p.m. ET, Morrisey posted on Facebook, stating that he could “confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC, have passed away from their injuries.”
Yet, in a subsequent update shortly after 4 p.m. ET, Morrisey indicated that the situation was less clear, mentioning that they are “now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information.”
Earlier in the afternoon, just before 3 p.m. ET, DC Metro police reported a shooting incident near 17th and I Streets NW, not far from the White House. They soon confirmed that a suspect was in custody and the area was secured.
Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, verified the shooting of the two National Guardsmen. At the time, President Donald Trump was at his golf course in West Palm Beach. He commented that the Guardsmen were “severely wounded” and noted that the suspect “is also severely wounded.”
Several uniformed officers, as well as emergency vehicles, could be seen in the area, which was cordoned off by yellow caution tape. National Guard soldiers were among the law enforcement at the scene.
Agents from the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also on scene. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed his agency was assisting in the investigation.
In a post to Truth Social, Trump said the suspect “will pay a very steep price.”
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Authorities respond to the scene of a shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26, 2025. Two National Guard soldiers were shot, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and a suspect has been taken into custody. (Via the Associated Press) -
Authorities respond to the scene of a shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26, 2025. Two National Guard soldiers were shot, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and a suspect has been taken into custody. (Via the Associated Press) -
Authorities respond to the scene of a shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26, 2025. Two National Guard soldiers were shot, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and a suspect has been taken into custody. (Via the Associated Press) -
Authorities respond to the scene of a shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26, 2025. Two National Guard soldiers were shot, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and a suspect has been taken into custody. (Via the Associated Press) -
Two National Guard soldiers were injured in a shooting near the White House on Nov. 26, 2025. The above satellite image shows the scene of the shooting in relation to the White House, the Washington Monument, and Capitol Hill. (Via the Associated Press)
“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Hundreds of National Guard members from the district and several states have been patrolling the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump in August issued an emergency order in the capital, federalizing the local police force and sending in the guard from eight states and the District of Columbia.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
