Two US National Guard soldiers were critically injured after a targeted shooting near the White House, an incident that has sparked fresh controversy over President Donald Trump's crime crackdown.
According to US media reports, the suspect is an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021. Authorities have not yet officially named him. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said it was a targeted attack and the perpetrator was immediately arrested.
CBS News reported that the suspect was 29-year-old and used a handgun. Investigators are also looking into whether terrorism was the motive. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, both soldiers are in critical condition.
The attack originated near the Farragut West metro station, two blocks from the White House. According to police, the gunman ambushed two soldiers before being quickly tackled by other National Guard and police.
After the incident, security forces responded quickly, sealing off the area, and imposing tighter security. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an additional 500 troops, bringing the total to about 2,500 troops in Washington — a policy that has been repeatedly questioned by local officials and the courts.
