Guardsmen shooting near White House draws bipartisan outrage

Lawmakers from across the political spectrum began voicing their support amid news of the shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members just blocks from the White House on Wednesday afternoon.

Following news of the shooting, members of the West Virginia delegation were quick to respond, as were Vice President J.D. Vance and President Donald Trump, who referred to the suspected shooter as an “animal.”

“The animal that shot two National Guardsmen, both of whom were seriously injured, and is now in two separate hospitals, was also seriously injured, but regardless, he will pay a very heavy price,” Trump wrote on his platform, Truth Social, as details of the shooting emerged.

“May God bless our great National Guard, and all of our military and law enforcement forces. These are truly great people. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, are with you!”

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West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, said he and his wife were “shocked” to hear the news.

Director of the FBI Cash Battle Two West Virginia National Guard members remained in critical condition, he said, correcting an earlier report from Morrissey that the pair had died.

Both Republican senators from West Virginia also participated, offering their thoughts and prayers, but did not reveal any additional details. State Democrats have expressed messages of support as well.

“Tonight, our hearts are heavy for the two West Virginia National Guard members who were shot in Washington, D.C.,” Del. Mike Pushkin, chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party, told Fox News. “This cowardly and tragic act of violence should never have happened in this country, and our hearts go out to the families dealing with this senseless tragedy.

“This tragedy crosses party lines. Two families will now have to spend Thanksgiving grieving for their loved ones, who did nothing wrong and answered the call of duty. We honor the service, sacrifice and courage of these soldiers. We hope and pray for the best. These young men and their brothers and sisters in uniform represent the best of us and the best of West Virginia.”

Democrats outside West Virginia also spoke out, including some of the party’s top national leaders, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who criticized “political violence” in his response despite no confirmed reports of a motive.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said of the shooting: “There must be zero tolerance for violence — of any kind — against the brave men and women in uniform who selflessly serve our communities and our country.” (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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“There must be zero tolerance for violence — of any kind — against the brave men and women in uniform who selflessly serve our communities and our country,” Newsom said of the shooting. “The shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C. is horrific and unacceptable. Jane and I are praying for the service members, their families, and the entire National Guard community.”

Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore has also reached out across the aisle to offer aid to Morrissey.

“We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms, and we hold the Guardsmen, their families, and their loved ones in our hearts,” Moore said. “I reached out to [Morrisey] and [Capito] To provide any support. We are closely monitoring the situation for updates.”

Police officers secure the area with crime scene tape after a shooting in downtown Washington on November 26, 2025. (Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images)

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The lone gunman “came around the corner” in an “ambush”-style attack and opened fire on two National Guardsmen, Jeffrey Carroll, executive assistant to the chief executive of the Metropolitan Police Department, said on Wednesday. Other members of the National Guard heard the gunfire, intervened and restrained the suspect after he was shot, Carroll said.

It is still unclear who fired the bullet that hit the suspect, and the identity of the suspect has not yet been identified.

Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.