WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two U.S. National Guardsmen were shot Tuesday night in what authorities are calling a “targeted and deliberate attack” near the Navy Yard area of Washington, D.C. The shooting has triggered a multi-agency manhunt and renewed concerns about rising political violence in the nation’s capital.
According to Metropolitan Police Department officials, the Guardsmen were on routine patrol when a vehicle pulled alongside them and opened fire without warning. Witnesses reported hearing a “burst of rapid shots” before the attackers sped away.
Both Guardsmen were rushed to a nearby hospital. One remains in critical condition, while the other is listed as stable, according to a statement from D.C. National Guard leadership.
“This was not random. This was an intentional, targeted attack on uniformed service members,” MPD Chief Pamela Smith said during a late-night briefing. Federal law enforcement is now assisting local authorities, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings and traffic cameras, and police have issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert for a dark-colored SUV believed to be involved in the shooting.
The White House condemned the attack early Wednesday, calling it “cowardly” and “an assault on every American who wears the uniform.”
President Donald J. Trump was briefed minutes after the incident, according to a senior administration official. In a statement posted on Truth Social, the President said:
“Our brave National Guardsmen were ambushed in a disgusting act of violence. We will find the attackers and deliver swift justice.”
The shooting comes amid heightened security around federal facilities following several recent threats against military and law enforcement personnel. Officials have not yet released information on a motive, but multiple sources say investigators are exploring whether the attack is connected to extremist groups or anti-government actors.
Residents in the area described the scene as chaotic.
“I just saw people running and officers arriving within seconds,” said Navy Yard resident Martin Lewis. “It felt like a war zone.”
Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information. A reward for tips leading to the arrest of the suspects is expected to be announced later today.
