A shooting two blocks north of the White House left multiple people injured on Wednesday, including two National Guardsmen deployed to Washington, DC, as part of President Donald Trump's anti-crime crackdown. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the Guardsmen were shot, and DC Metropolitan Police later announced the scene had been secured and a suspect taken into custody.
The incident occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. at 17th Street and I Street NW, near Farragut Square Park, according to law-enforcement sources. Authorities said at least three individuals were struck by gunfire, prompting an extended perimeter shutdown in a busy government and commercial corridor that includes federal office buildings, food trucks, and metro entrances serving thousands of daily commuters.
DC Metropolitan Police said on X that the area was secure and "one suspect is in custody," urging the public to avoid the zone while investigators processed the scene. Metro Transit Police also confirmed they were assisting due to the proximity to the Farragut West station.
One victim was airlifted by med-evac helicopter, while two others, including the National Guard personnel, were transported by ambulance. The Associated Press reported that at least one Guardsman was hit during an exchange of gunfire, though authorities have not disclosed whether the suspect fired upon the Guardsmen first or if the exchange took place amid an attempt to intervene.
Kristi Noem told reporters that "Two National Guardsmen were shot in Washington, DC," but provided no immediate details regarding their conditions or whether they were targeted. The National Guard did not respond to requests for comment.
The White House said President Donald Trump was briefed shortly after the shooting. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation," adding, "The President has been briefed."
National Guard units from several states have been stationed in the nation's capital for months as part of Trump's public-safety operation, which has also expanded to cities including Chicago, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Their presence near federal buildings, transportation hubs, and high-traffic areas has become a visible symbol of the administration's effort to restore order in crime-plagued urban districts.
Moments after the gunfire, witnesses saw several emergency vehicles converging on the intersection, including Park Police units and multiple MPD cruisers. NBC News cameras captured officers blocking traffic south toward the White House and cordoning off surrounding sidewalks as responders continued to secure the area.
