Both Guardsmen and Suspect in Critical Condition After Shooting at 17th & I Streets In Northwest, D.C.

Wednesday, November 26, 2025, 6:15 P.M. ET. 4 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot Wednesday afternoon in what authorities are calling a “targeted attack” just blocks from the White House, triggering a massive federal and local law-enforcement response and plunging one of the busiest corridors in the capital into chaos.

     The shooting occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m., at the intersection of 17th Street NW and I Street NW, adjacent to Farragut Square and only a short walk from the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The location, crowded with office workers, food vendors, and tourists, quickly transformed into a heavily secured crime scene as police, FBI, and Secret Service personnel flooded the area.

     Both Guardsmen were transported to George Washington University Hospital, where they remain in critical condition and are, according to officials, “fighting for their lives.” The suspect, who was shot during the confrontation with law enforcement, is also hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities have not released the names of the victims or the accused gunman.

“This Was A Targeted Ambush,” Police Say;

     MPD officials stressed that this was not a random act of violence. Witnesses reported the gunman positioned himself behind a sidewalk planter near a bus stop before approaching the Guardsmen at close range.

MPD Executive Assistant Chief Jeffrey Carroll, speaking at the scene, described the attack as “a calculated and deliberate assault on uniformed personnel.”

     “Based on witness accounts and preliminary forensic evidence, the suspect waited for these Guardsmen,” Carroll said. “This was a targeted ambush, not an opportunistic shooting. The officers and federal agents who responded within seconds undoubtedly prevented further loss of life.”

     Carroll added that multiple shell casings were recovered and that detectives are canvassing nearby buildings for surveillance footage.

FBI Director Kash Patel: “Intentional Act Of Violence Directed At Military Members;”

     At a late-afternoon press conference, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the Bureau has taken joint command of the investigation.

     “From what we know at this stage, this was an intentional act of violence directed at military members serving in the capital,” Patel said. “We are conducting a full threat analysis, including any ideological motivations, online activity, or pre-attack planning.”

     He also emphasized that there is no indication of a broader threat to federal buildings or personnel at this time.

Mayor Bowser: “This Was A Targeted Attack;

     D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the shooting and expressed her thoughts and support for the Guardsmen’s families.

Scene Description: A Busy Corner Turned Into A Crime Zone;

The area around 17th & I Streets Northwest, a major downtown artery lined with law firms, federal offices, and high-rise buildings, was immediately locked down. FBI tactical teams, MPD’s Homeland Security Bureau, and Secret Service units created a wide security perimeter, forcing evacuations of some nearby businesses and redirecting traffic for several blocks.

Witnesses described moments of confusion and panic:

• “People were running into the building lobby shouting that someone was shooting,” said one federal contractor who works on the corner.
• Another witness reported hearing “two sharp cracks, then multiple gunshot.”

     Investigators recovered a semi-automatic handgun and are reviewing area video cameras within a one-block radius.

White House Monitoring Situation;

     A White House spokesperson said President Trump was briefed within minutes of the attack and is receiving “continuous updates” from the FBI and D.C. officials. The administration condemned the shooting and praised the rapid response of law enforcement.

A Developing Story;

     This situation continues to evolve rapidly. Englebrook Independent News will provide updates as new information is released by the FBI, MPD, the D.C. Mayor’s Office, and George Washington University Hospital.

Editor’s Note;

This article is based on official statements from the Director of the FBI, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, Executive Assistant Chief Jeffrey Carroll, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and the White House, as well as on-scene reporting. Details are likely to develop further.