Two West Virginia National Guard Members Critically Wounded in DC Shooting; Conflicting Reports on Fatalities

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard remain in critical condition following a shooting incident near the White House on Wednesday, amid conflicting reports regarding potential fatalities. While unverified reports from the ground have circulated suggesting that one or both service members may have died, official statements from the White House and local law enforcement currently list the victims as “critically wounded.”
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed that the two service members involved were deployed from his state. In a statement released on social media, Morrisey acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that he had received “reports on the ground” indicating that one of the Guardsmen may have succumbed to their injuries, though he emphasized that his office was still working to independently verify this information.
“Denise and I are devastated by the news that two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in Washington, D.C.,” Morrisey stated. “We are in direct contact with our Guard and other officials, and are working to obtain the most accurate information as quickly as possible.”
President Donald Trump, who was briefed on the incident while in Florida, posted on Truth Social that both soldiers were “critically wounded” and warned that the shooter would pay a “steep price.”
The shooting occurred near Farragut Square, a heavily patrolled area in downtown Washington, D.C., where hundreds of National Guard troops have been stationed under a federal emergency order. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) confirmed that a suspect was taken into custody shortly after the attack. The suspect, who was also wounded during the apprehension, was transported to a local hospital.
The incident has heightened tensions in the capital, which has been under a heavy security footprint since August. As of now, no official law enforcement agency has confirmed the death of either service member, despite the somber rumors circulating among state officials and on social media.