Shocking Attack in Washington DC: 2 National Guardsmen Shot—What Really Happened?

In a tragic incident that has shaken Washington, D.C., a gunman opened fire on the day before Thanksgiving, critically injuring two members of the West Virginia National Guard in the popular tourist area of Farragut Square, close to a major transit hub and the White House. This incident has raised concerns about safety in a region typically bustling with visitors and locals alike.

As investigations unfold, authorities are piecing together information regarding the shooting and the identity of the suspected perpetrator. Preliminary reports from the FBI indicate that the shooter may be a man who immigrated to the United States from Afghanistan in 2021. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the suspect’s fingerprints match those of a person apprehended during the incident. This individual applied for asylum in 2024, which was granted earlier this year.

Officials from local, state, and national levels have pledged to ensure justice for the victims and their families. A handgun, believed to be the weapon used in the attack, has already been recovered. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey expressed his commitment to the victims, stating that he had communicated with President Donald Trump regarding the situation. “We’re going to keep working to make sure that justice is served,” he remarked.

Eyewitness accounts provide chilling details of the event. According to one witness who spoke to local news station WUSA, five shots rang out before chaos erupted, with people fleeing the scene. Another visitor, caught in the crossfire while in D.C. for the holiday, described hiding behind chairs in the square. He reported seeing a person on the ground with their hands behind their back, whom he assumed was the shooter.

In a separate but related development, the Trump administration has requested an emergency stay from a federal appeals court in response to a lower court ruling that deemed the deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C. unlawful. This decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of law enforcement and military presence in urban areas, particularly in the capital.

Responses to the shooting have poured in from across the political spectrum, including condolences from former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama. Their remarks highlight the urgency of addressing gun violence, especially as the nation reflects on safety during a holiday that typically brings families together.

As the investigation continues, officials are working diligently to uncover more details about the shooter and the motivations behind this act of violence. The community remains on edge, grappling with the reality that a day meant for gratitude was marred by tragedy.

CNN’s Brian Todd reported from the scene, providing ongoing coverage of this developing story. As the investigation progresses, many will be looking for answers and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.