Two National Guard members were shot near the White House in Northwest DC on Nov. 26, 2025. (7News)
WASHINGTON (7News) — In the wake of a shooting near the White House that left two National Guard members in critical condition, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that an additional 500 National Guard troops will be sent to the capital.
The shooting occurred on Wednesday near 17th and I streets, Northwest, and resulted in three victims being hospitalized, according to D.C. Fire.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially reported conflicting information about the condition of the two injured troops, later clarifying that both soldiers, who were shot in the head, are alive but critically injured.
READ MORE| Leaders weigh in after 2 National Guardsmen shot in NW DC
On August 21, President Donald Trump invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, placing the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under direct federal control and deploying over 2,000 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.
“This is a historic action to rescue our nation’s capital from crime, neglect, and chaos,” Trump said, adding that the National Guard will be allowed to “do the job properly.”
The deployment has sparked debate over the legality and necessity of federal forces in D.C., with the D.C. Attorney General’s Office filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit argues that the deployment violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of federal troops for domestic law enforcement.
Judge Jia Cobb ruled that the deployment of National Guard troops in the city was illegal on November 20, granting an injunction against former President Donald Trump from deploying or requesting the deployment of any National Guard members to the District.
However, the order is stayed for 21 days pending an appeal, allowing the current deployment to remain until at least Dec. 11.
As the legal battle continues, the future of National Guard presence in D.C. remains uncertain, with discussions ongoing about their role and the potential for extended deployment beyond the America250 celebrations in 2026.
