President Donald Trump on Wednesday condemned the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House, characterizing the attack as an act of terrorism and asserting that the suspected gunman is a migrant from Afghanistan who entered the United States during the Biden administration.
Speaking from Florida, Trump described the incident as “an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror,” and announced that his administration would undertake a comprehensive review of all Afghan nationals who arrived in the country over the past several years.
The shooting occurred in the early afternoon just two blocks from the White House, in the busy Farragut Square area where office workers, tourists, and commuters often gather. According to authorities, both soldiers sustained critical injuries and were transported to separate hospitals for treatment. A third injured person was also taken from the scene, though officials did not immediately clarify whether that individual was affiliated with the Guard.
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, was taken into custody after an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement. Officials said the alleged shooter was also seriously wounded.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged the public to pray for the injured service members, writing on X that the attack had occurred “moments ago” and that emergency personnel were already on site.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as shots rang out. An AFP journalist reported hearing multiple pops before crowds scattered from the park. Another witness, Angela Perry, recounted that she was stopped at a traffic light with her two children when gunfire erupted. “There were several shots. You could see National Guard members sprinting toward the metro entrance with their weapons drawn,” she said.
Photos from the scene showed a heavy security presence, with Secret Service agents standing behind yellow police tape and first responders treating the wounded. The area around Farragut Square, which includes offices, restaurants, and a major Metro station, was cordoned off for hours as investigators combed the site.
Trump, who was briefed soon after the attack, took to his Truth Social platform to vow severe consequences for the perpetrator. “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen… will pay a very steep price,” he wrote, adding that both soldiers remained in critical condition.
The shooting comes amid heightened national debate over Trump’s wide-ranging deployment of National Guard personnel to cities led by Democratic officials, including Washington, Los Angeles, and Memphis. The president has argued the deployments are necessary to curb violent crime and enforce his immigration policies.
However, last week a federal judge ruled that Trump’s use of thousands of Guard troops in the capital exceeded his legal authority. Earlier this year, California also mounted a legal challenge against the administration after Guard units were sent to Los Angeles during demonstrations that erupted over the federal government’s intensified operations targeting undocumented immigrants.
Federal and local investigators are continuing to probe the circumstances of Wednesday’s shooting, including the suspect’s background, possible motives, and whether the incident has any broader security implications.
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