Bipartisan support, outrage pour in after ‘targeted’ DC shooting of National Guardsmen: ‘Horrific’
In a shocking incident that unfolded just blocks from the White House on Wednesday afternoon, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically wounded in a shooting that has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for unity from lawmakers across the political spectrum. The attack, described as an “ambush” by Metropolitan Police Department Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll, occurred when the suspect allegedly approached the guardsmen and opened fire. In the chaos, other National Guard members nearby intervened, managing to restrain the shooter, who was also injured during the confrontation. As of now, the identities of both the shooter and the victims have not been publicly disclosed, but the guardsmen remain in critical condition in separate hospitals.
In the wake of this tragic event, reactions poured in from both sides of the aisle, emphasizing the need for solidarity in the face of violence against those who serve the country. West Virginia’s Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey expressed his devastation over the news, while President Donald Trump took to social media to label the shooter as an “animal,” promising that he would “pay a very steep price.” Meanwhile, West Virginia’s two Republican senators, as well as members of the state’s Democratic delegation, offered their thoughts and prayers, highlighting the senseless nature of the violence. Delegate Mike Pushkin, the chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party, poignantly noted that this tragedy transcends party lines, as families now face the prospect of spending Thanksgiving in anguish over their loved ones who were simply fulfilling their duty.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about political violence, with national leaders like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and California Governor Gavin Newsom condemning the act. Newsom emphasized that there must be “zero tolerance for violence” against those in uniform, while Maryland Governor Wes Moore reached out to offer support to Governor Morrisey, stating that they stand united in condemning the violence. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by military personnel and law enforcement, as well as the urgent need for a collective response against acts of violence in society. The community and the nation are now left hoping for the swift recovery of the injured guardsmen and justice for the heinous act that has shaken the nation.
Lawmakers from across the political spectrum began expressing support amid news that two West Virginia National Guard members
were shot
blocks away from the White House Wednesday afternoon.
After news of the shooting, members of the West Virginia delegation were quick to respond, as was Vice President JD Vance and President
Donald Trump
, who referred to the suspected shooter as an “animal.”
“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform as details of the shooting emerged.Â
“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
SHOOTING OF TWO NATIONAL GUARDSMEN IN DC ‘ABSOLUTELY REPREHENSIBLE,’ FORMER FBI AGENT FUMES
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, said he and his wife were “devastated” to hear the news.Â
FBI Director
Kash Patel
said the two West Virginia National Guardsmen remain in critical condition, correcting an earlier report from Morrisey that the pair had died.
Both of West Virginia’s two Republican senators also chimed in, offering thoughts and prayers but did not shed any additional details. Democrats from the state expressed messages of support as well.Â
“Tonight, our hearts are heavy for the two members of the West Virginia National Guard shot in Washington, D.C.,” Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, the West Virginia Democratic Party chairman, told Fox News. “This cowardly and tragic act of violence should never happen in this country, and our hearts grieve for the families who are dealing with this senseless tragedy.Â
“This tragedy transcends party lines. Two families will now have to spend Thanksgiving in agony for their loved ones, who did nothing wrong and answered their call of duty. We honor these soldiers’ service, sacrifice and courage. We hope and pray for the best. These young men and their brothers and sisters in uniform represent the very best of us and the very best of West Virginia.”
Democrats outside
West Virginia
spoke up as well, including some of the party’s top national leaders, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who slammed “political violence” in his response despite no confirmed reports about a motive.
VANCE SAYS HE IS PRAYING FOR NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS SHOT IN DC
“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. Jen and I are praying for the service members, their families, and the entire National Guard community.”
Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore reached across the aisle as well to offer assistance to Morrisey.
“We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and we are holding the Guard, their families, and their loved ones close in our hearts,” Moore said. “I have reached out to [Morrisey] and [Capito] to offer any support. We are closely monitoring the situation for updates.”
Metropolitan Police Department Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll said Wednesday the lone gunman allegedly “came around the corner” in an “ambush” style attack and opened fire on the two National Guardsmen. Other members of the National Guard nearby reportedly heard the gunfire and intervened, restraining the suspect after he had been shot, Carroll said.
It remains unclear who fired the shot that wounded the suspect, and suspect individual has not yet been identified.
Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
