FBI probing D.C. shooting of two National Guard members as possible act of international terrorism

Two West Virginia National Guard members, a man and a woman, were critically injured Wednesday afternoon after being shot near the White House in what officials described as a targeted attack.

According to multiple sources, the FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of international terrorism, examining whether the suspect may have been motivated or influenced by an overseas extremist group. Authorities have not confirmed a motive.

The shooting occurred around 2:15 p.m., officials said, when a man approached the service members, raised a firearm and opened fire. Metropolitan Police Executive Assistant Chief Jeffrey Carroll said nearby Guard members intervened, subdued the suspect and held him until authorities arrived. The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, was also shot and is in critical condition.

“It appears to be a lone gunman who raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard,” Carroll stated.

The wounded Guard members were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Police said they believe they have identified the shooter and are now looking into his background, including potential links to domestic or international terrorism. Multiple agencies, including the FBI, ATF and U.S. Marshals, responded to the scene. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed federal agencies are cooperating with local officials to gather more information.

A brief White House lockdown was ordered following the incident but was lifted later in the afternoon. President Donald Trump, who is in Florida for Thanksgiving, was updated on the situation. He later issued a statement expressing support for the Guard and law enforcement personnel.