Two members of the West Virginia National Guard have been shot in a targeted attack just two blocks from the White House, leaving both soldiers hospitalised in critical condition.
Emergency Response and Increased Deployment
The shooting occurred on Wednesday 26 November 2025, prompting President Donald Trump to immediately order 500 additional National Guard members to reinforce the existing security presence in the nation's capital. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed the incident was being treated as a "targeted shooting" against the military personnel.
The wounded guardsmen were part of a larger deployment of 2,188 troops assigned to a joint task force that assumed policing responsibilities in Washington. This controversial mission began on 11 August when President Trump declared a public safety emergency, citing crime reduction objectives and plans to remove homeless encampments.
Controversial Military Presence in Capital
The National Guard deployment has sparked significant debate about presidential authority and military involvement in domestic law enforcement. While some troops have been armed with handguns and rifles for patrol duties, others have engaged in community improvement work including:
- Clearing 1,150 bags of trash
- Spreading 1,045 cubic yards of mulch
- Removing graffiti and maintaining parks
- Pruning 400 trees
According to military officials, all armed units received proper training and operate under strict rules of engagement, permitting force "only as a last resort" against imminent threats.
Legal Challenges and State Contributions
The deployment faces legal hurdles after US District Judge Jia Cobb ordered the Trump administration to end the mission on 20 November, ruling it illegally intruded on local authority. However, the judge suspended her order for 21 days to allow for appeals.
The District of Columbia challenged the deployment as an illegal use of military forces for domestic policing, arguing it violated Washington's Home Rule Act and improperly asserted federal control over state guard units.
As of early November, the troop composition included:
- 949 D.C. National Guard members
- 416 West Virginia troops
- Contingents from Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama
Despite the controversy, at least 160 West Virginia troops recently volunteered to extend their deployment through 31 December, while the D.C. National Guard's orders have been renewed until the end of February.
The situation remains tense as residents express mixed reactions to the military presence, with some viewing it as presidential overreach while others appreciate the community improvement efforts and perceived crime reduction benefits.
