Washington, D.C. — Federal investigators are probing possible terrorism links after officials said the suspect in Wednesday’s ambush shooting of two National Guard members near the White House is believed to be an Afghan national, according to preliminary law-enforcement briefings.
Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot at close range around 2:15 p.m. near 17th and I Streets NW, close to the Farragut West Metro station and roughly two blocks from the White House. Authorities have described the attack as a “targeted” ambush on uniformed personnel.
The soldiers were transported to local hospitals in critical condition. Early statements from West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially said the troops had died, but he later walked back that announcement, citing “conflicting reports” on their conditions.
Lone Suspect in Custody
Officials say a single male suspect approached the Guard members and opened fire with a handgun, striking both service members in the head. At least one of the Guardsmen returned fire, wounding the attacker, who was then subdued by other nearby Guard troops and taken into custody.
Law-enforcement sources briefed on the investigation told several outlets that the suspect is believed to be an Afghan national, though his exact immigration status has not been publicly confirmed. Officials stress that the identification is preliminary and that the motive remains under active investigation.
The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, is treating the case as an assault on federal officers with a potential national security component and is exploring whether the shooting was inspired by foreign or domestic extremist ideology.
Confusion and Lockdown Near the White House
The shooting triggered a rapid security response in downtown Washington. Office buildings were locked down, streets were closed, and the White House was briefly placed on lockdown before the order was lifted later in the afternoon.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as gunfire rang out near the busy commuter hub by Farragut Square, sending pedestrians scrambling for cover. For blocks, heavily armed officers, armored vehicles, and National Guard troops flooded the area as investigators established a large crime scene.
