Shocking gunfire near the White House has left two National Guardsmen clinging to life, shaking the nation’s capital on Thanksgiving eve.

In a brazen attack near the White House, two West Virginian National Guardsmen were critically wounded, prompting President Donald Trump to call for 500 more guardsmen to secure Washington, D.C.

The incident unfolded just after 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West metro station, a short distance northwest of the White House. Reports from the scene captured the chaos, with the 1700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue sealed off by yellow tape as authorities scrambled to respond.

Violence erupts near nation’s capital hub

NTD News correspondent Mari Otsu, passing through the area in an Uber, heard the shots ring out, a chilling reminder of the vulnerability even in heavily guarded zones. It’s a stark contrast to the progressive narrative that urban safety is a given—sometimes, reality bites harder than rhetoric.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth didn’t mince words when addressing reporters that afternoon. He labeled the attack a “cowardly” and “dastardly act targeting the best of America,” a sentiment that resonates with those who see our servicemen as the backbone of national pride (Pete Hegseth).

These guardsmen, both hailing from West Virginia, were described by Hegseth as selfless heroes. “They were willing to do dangerous things others were not because they love their fellow Americans,” he said, painting a picture of duty that no amount of cultural cynicism can tarnish (Pete Hegseth).

Trump responds with swift security boost

President Trump, clearly incensed, took to Truth Social to condemn the shooter as an “animal” who was also “severely wounded” in the aftermath. It’s a raw response, but one that mirrors the frustration of a nation tired of seeing its protectors targeted (Donald Trump).

In direct response, Trump requested an additional 500 National Guardsmen to bolster security in D.C., a move communicated by Hegseth to the press. This isn’t just a reaction—it’s a statement that law and order won’t bend to chaos.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed the guardsmen’s origins, initially reporting they had succumbed to their injuries before clarifying conflicting updates on their status. The uncertainty only deepens the tragedy, as families and a state wait for clarity.

Guardsmen’s sacrifice sparks national outrage

Both Trump and Hegseth emphasized the critical condition of the wounded, a somber note that cuts through any partisan noise. When those who guard our capital are struck down, it’s not just an attack on individuals—it’s a jab at national resolve.

Hegseth’s call for more troops isn’t mere posturing; it’s a calculated push to ensure D.C. doesn’t become a playground for violence. While some may cry overreach, most Americans likely see this as a necessary shield against further cowardly acts.

The scene near the White House, cordoned off and tense, serves as a visual of what’s at stake. Video footage from NewsNation’s Kellie Meyer captured the aftermath—a stark reminder that safety isn’t guaranteed, no matter how close to power you stand.

Debate over safety in D.C. intensifies

This incident shatters any illusion that historic drops in crime, as Hegseth noted, mean the fight is over. It’s a wake-up call that security must be proactive, not reactive, especially when the “best of America” are in the crosshairs.

Critics of enhanced security might argue it militarizes the capital, but when shots echo near the White House, theory takes a backseat to reality. The balance between freedom and safety tilts hard when heroes are gunned down on duty.

As the nation processes this attack, the resolve to protect D.C. stands firm. Trump’s swift action, paired with Hegseth’s fierce rhetoric, signals that while the enemy may strike, the response will always be stronger. Let’s hope 500 more boots on the ground send that message loud and clear.