A section of central Washington descended into chaos on Monday afternoon after several National Guard soldiers were shot near the White House, prompting a massive emergency response in one of the most secure areas in the United States. According to early briefings from officers at the scene, at least three soldiers were hit, and their injuries were described as “serious.”
Witnesses near Lafayette Square reported hearing multiple sharp gunshots in rapid succession. Uniformed personnel quickly moved to protect pedestrians, pushing people behind barriers as tourists fled from Pennsylvania Avenue. Within minutes, sirens filled the area as teams from the Metropolitan Police Department, Secret Service, and other federal agencies rushed to secure the scene.
BREAKING — massive police and National Guard presence at Farragut West metro station. A block from White House. pic.twitter.com/Hz2wjjWa6d
— Jay O’Brien (@jayobtv) November 26, 2025
White House Orders Full Lockdown After Nearby Shooting
The White House Press Secretary confirmed an immediate full lockdown of the executive zone due to the close proximity of the gunfire. Staff inside the Main Treasury Building and the Freedman’s Bank Building were instructed to shelter in place.
Internal guidance directed employees to:
- Lock doors
- Turn off lights
- Silence mobile phones
- Stay low and away from windows
- Avoid opening doors unless cleared by security
The detailed instructions reflected the urgency of the situation, with the shooter initially unaccounted for in an area densely packed with federal offices and foot traffic.
Suspect Taken Into Custody as Police Sweep Downtown DC
Officers said the shooter fled moments before law enforcement reached the scene, leading to rolling lockdowns across multiple blocks of downtown Washington. Police units moved east toward 14th Street and north toward K Street to seal possible escape routes.
A senior law-enforcement official later confirmed that a suspect was in custody, though no additional details were released. Investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage from one of the most heavily monitored parts of the capital.
The injured National Guard members were believed to be stationed near an auxiliary security checkpoint. Officials have not yet determined whether they were directly targeted or victims of an indiscriminate attack.
The Secret Service said it is coordinating with local police and urged the public to avoid the White House perimeter until further notice.
President Trump Responds to the Shooting
President Donald Trump issued a reaction on Truth Social, writing: “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price. God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
Police have not yet confirmed whether the shooter was injured, though investigators are reviewing video from surrounding buildings to track the suspect’s movement.
Motive Still Unknown as Investigation Widens
Officials have not announced any motive for the attack. The shooting comes during a politically tense period following a video released by senior Democrats urging military personnel to refuse “unlawful orders.” Authorities declined to speculate on any connection but confirmed the broader political climate would be part of the investigation.
