Two National Guard Shot Near White House Sending D.C into ‘Lockdown;

Washington, D.C. was thrown into chaos Wednesday afternoon after two National Guard soldiers were shot just blocks from the White House, sparking a massive security lockdown and frantic search for the shooter.

BREAKING a lot of police and secret service activity around the White House. Sidewalks completely blocked off to foot traffic and cars. Press moved into briefing room inside the White House. Working for more information. pic.twitter.com/AW0Agndz4n

— Kellie Meyer (@KellieMeyerNews) November 26, 2025

According to law enforcement sources, the soldiers were attacked near Pennsylvania Avenue around 2:30 p.m. Their conditions remain unknown as of Wednesday evening. Witnesses described a sudden burst of gunfire that sent pedestrians running and triggered an immediate flood of emergency vehicles into the area.

“I heard what sounded like five or six shots — then everyone started yelling, ‘Get down!’” said Carla Nguyen, a tourist visiting from Texas who was walking near Lafayette Park. “Police were everywhere within seconds.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the shooting on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington, D.C. @DHSgov is working with local law enforcement to gather more information.”

The Joint D.C. Task Force, which coordinates between federal and local security agencies, acknowledged an “active investigation” near the White House but declined to specify whether the victims were National Guard members. The Metropolitan Police Department also confirmed officers responded to a “shooting incident” in the area but gave no details about suspects or motives.

As emergency sirens echoed through downtown, the Secret Service temporarily sealed off access to nearby streets and sidewalks. Reporters stationed outside the White House were escorted into the briefing room for safety as officers with long guns fanned across the perimeter.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt released a statement saying, “The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed.”

At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was at his West Palm Beach golf course in Florida, and Vice President JD Vance was visiting troops at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

City officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, said they were “closely monitoring the situation.” Federal law enforcement sources told Newsweek the FBI and Secret Service are jointly investigating the shooting as a “potential targeted attack on uniformed personnel,” though officials emphasized it was too early to draw conclusions.

“This kind of brazen violence near one of the most heavily guarded areas in America is deeply troubling,” said retired D.C. police commander Robert Gillis, who led White House security coordination during previous protests. “Even a small lapse can trigger major national security concerns.”

Footage posted by journalist Kellie Meyer showed emergency vehicles converging on the scene and police cordoning off the streets surrounding the White House. “Sidewalks completely blocked off to foot traffic and cars. Press moved into briefing room inside the White House,” Meyer wrote.

Residents and tourists were urged to stay indoors until authorities gave the all-clear. By nightfall, a large police presence remained in the area as forensic teams combed the scene for shell casings and security camera footage.

Officials are expected to hold a press conference once more details are confirmed.

This remains a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Source: Newsweek, Associated Press, and field reporting from Washington, D.C.