The White House is in lockdown after a shooter fired at National Guard soldiers near the president’s residence.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that two guardsmen were shot and that her department was working with local law enforcement to gather more information.
The shooting took place just a few blocks from the White House. The Treasury Department was also placed in lockdown on Wednesday afternoon.
Witnesses heard gunfire near the Metro station near Farragut Square, a short walk from the White House.
An unidentified man in military fatigues lies on a stretcher inside an ambulance Nov. 26, 2025 in downtown Washington, DC. Two National Guard soldiers were shot a few blocks from the White House, according to law enforcement.
An unidentified man in military fatigues lies on a stretcher inside an ambulance Nov. 26, 2025 in downtown Washington, DC. Two National Guard soldiers were shot a few blocks from the White House, according to law enforcement.
Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images
“Critical Incident: MPD is on the scene of a shooting at 17th and I Street, NW. Please avoid the area. Updates to come,” the Metropolitan Police Department wrote on X at 2:42 pm ET. “Please avoid the area as MPD and our partners work to secure the scene.”
Less than half an hour later, the police said in an update that the scene was secure and one person was in custody.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Daily Beast: “The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed.”
President Donald Trump is in Palm Beach, Florida, with wife, Melania, for the Thanksgiving holiday, having flown there on Tuesday evening.
An unidentified man in military fatigues lies on a stretcher inside an ambulance 26 November, 2025 in downtown Washington, DC. Two National Guard soldiers were shot a few blocks from the White House, according to law enforcement.
An unidentified man in military fatigues lies on a stretcher inside an ambulance 26 November 26, 2025 in downtown Washington, DC. Two National Guard soldiers were shot a few blocks from the White House, according to law enforcement.
The Daily Beast has contacted the National Guard for comment.
This story is developing and will be updated.
