National Guard Shooting in Washington D.C. Leaves Two Soldiers in Critical Condition

Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot in Washington D.C. on Wednesday. The attack occurred just blocks from the White House. It happened on one of the busiest travel days before the Thanksgiving holiday.

The violent incident prompted immediate lockdowns at the White House and nearby embassies. According to the Associated Press, the suspected shooter is a 29-year-old Afghan national. He was taken into police custody at a local hospital.

Chaotic Scene Unfolds in Downtown Washington

The shooting took place at a busy downtown intersection. It was near a subway station frequently used by federal workers and tourists. Emergency vehicles swarmed the area, creating a major disruption.

A witness described hearing multiple gunshots. “You could feel them, I could hear them perfectly,” said Aiyana Eirene, who was in a nearby vehicle. The area was quickly closed to all pedestrians and traffic.

Broader Impact and Political Fallout

The two wounded soldiers were part of a larger deployment. Nearly 2,200 National Guard members have been in Washington since August. This deployment was initiated under a federal crime emergency declaration.

Defense officials announced an additional 500 troops will be sent to the capital. The American Civil Liberties Union had previously sued to block the Guard’s presence. A federal judge recently ruled the deployment violated several laws.

This National Guard shooting has intensified the debate over military presence in American cities. The two victims remain in critical condition as the investigation continues.

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Where did the National Guard shooting happen?

The shooting occurred at a busy intersection in downtown Washington D.C. It was just blocks from the White House and near a subway station.

How many National Guard members were deployed in Washington?

Nearly 2,200 National Guard troops were deployed to the city. This included soldiers from eight different states, including West Virginia.

What was the National Guard’s mission in Washington?

They were deployed as a visible deterrent against crime. Their duties included patrolling metro stations and tourist areas, but they were barred from law enforcement.

Has there been legal challenge to the Guard’s presence?

Yes, the ACLU successfully sued to block the deployment. A federal judge recently ruled the troop presence violated several laws.

What has been the official response to the shooting?

Defense officials vowed to increase the number of troops in the city. They stated the attack would only stiffen their resolve to continue the mission.