National Guard Shooting Near White House: Initial Reports of Deaths Retracted – A Developing Story
Washington D.C. – A harrowing incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon near the Farragut West subway station, just blocks from the White House, leaving two West Virginia National Guardsmen critically injured. Initial reports, which sent shockwaves through the nation on the eve of Thanksgiving, indicated the soldiers had succumbed to their injuries. However, those reports proved tragically premature. The FBI has since confirmed both Guardsmen are currently in critical condition, and the alleged shooter is also hospitalized.
What We Know About the Shooting and the Suspect
According to Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, the shooting occurred shortly after 2 p.m. local time. The suspect, identified as a 29-year-old man who arrived in the U.S. from Afghanistan in September 2021, allegedly opened fire on the uniformed reservists without warning. He reportedly entered the country with a valid visa, benefiting from a program designed to assist those who aided American forces during the two-decade-long war in Afghanistan. He later applied for asylum in December 2024, which was approved in April 2025 under the Biden administration.
The suspect was apprehended by soldiers and police officers at the scene. A large perimeter was immediately established around the Farragut West station, with a significant presence of federal and local law enforcement. The area remains heavily secured as the investigation continues.
Political Fallout: Trump Blames Biden, Democrats Accuse Republicans
The incident has quickly become embroiled in political controversy. Former President Donald Trump, currently at his Mar-a-Lago estate, swiftly labeled the suspect an “animal” on his Truth Social platform and vowed accountability. He also directly blamed his predecessor, President Biden, for allowing the individual to enter the United States, and announced plans to re-examine the residency permits of individuals from Afghanistan. He further extended his criticism to migrants from Somalia.
Meanwhile, Democrats have accused Republicans of creating a hostile environment that may have contributed to the attack. Some pointed to a recent video circulated by Democratic security politicians questioning the legality of the National Guard’s deployment in Washington D.C., suggesting it emboldened the shooter. Representative James Comer and Buddy Carter went further, alleging that “Democratic rhetoric” and even “blood on their hands” were responsible for endangering the National Guard. Trump escalated the rhetoric, alleging treason and calling for the death penalty.
The National Guard Deployment: A Legal Battle
The deployment of the National Guard in Washington D.C. has been a contentious issue for months. Democrats argue the deployment is illegal and that the 2,000 reservists stationed in the capital are ill-equipped to handle crime. A federal judge recently sided with the Democrats, ruling the deployment unlawful, though the ruling is currently suspended pending appeal by the White House. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that an additional 500 National Guard troops would be deployed to the city.
Despite the legal challenges, Trump continues to assert the National Guard’s effectiveness, claiming a significant drop in serious crime in Washington D.C. – a claim demonstrably false. Since May 2025, 62 murders have been recorded in the city, contradicting Trump’s assertion that no one has been murdered in the last six months.
Beyond the Headlines: Understanding the Afghan Resettlement Program
The case highlights the complexities surrounding the resettlement of Afghan refugees following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. The Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, designed to protect those who assisted the U.S. military and government, has brought thousands of Afghans to the United States. While the program is intended to offer a safe haven, it also necessitates rigorous vetting processes to ensure national security. The details surrounding the suspect’s vetting and asylum application will undoubtedly be scrutinized in the coming days and weeks.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in balancing humanitarian obligations with national security concerns, and the potential for political exploitation in the wake of tragic events. The investigation is ongoing, and Archyde.com will continue to provide updates as they become available. Stay informed with the latest breaking news and in-depth analysis on Archyde.com.
