A gunman opened fire on U.S. National Guard personnel stationed near the White House early Wednesday morning, critically injuring two soldiers and triggering an immediate escalation of federal security measures across central Washington.

The attack occurred near the intersection of 17th and I Streets NW, only blocks from the White House perimeter, after D.C. police received reports of gunfire. Responding officers and National Guard members on duty quickly moved to secure the area, detaining a wounded suspect who was transported to a local hospital under armed guard.

The victims, both members of the West Virginia National Guard, remain in critical condition. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed they were taken to a Washington-area trauma center, adding that officials were still receiving “conflicting reports” about their prognosis.

“These are brave men serving our nation in a time of heightened security,” Morrisey said, requesting prayers and privacy for the families.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the soldiers were part of a federal security rotation deployed around government buildings in recent weeks. She described the shooting as a “targeted attack” but emphasized that investigators had not yet identified a motive.

Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking from Kentucky, echoed the uncertainty: “We still don’t know the reason. We need to allow investigators to do their work. The safety of those serving near our federal institutions remains a top priority.”

In the immediate aftermath, authorities implemented tightened security across the downtown area. Streets near the White House were sealed off with barricades, dozens of Secret Service agents armed with automatic weapons took positions around the compound, and pedestrian access to Lafayette Square and adjacent government blocks was temporarily restricted, while federal agencies coordinated emergency assessments with the Secret Service, FBI, and local police.

Witnesses described a rapid, intense response, with helicopters hovering overhead and armored vehicles arriving within minutes.

The shooting comes amid ongoing political tensions and an expanded federal security presence in Washington. Officials are investigating whether the gunman acted alone or if the attack may be linked to a broader threat.

Law enforcement sources say the suspect—whose identity has not yet been released—was carrying multiple magazines and appeared to have approached the National Guard personnel directly before opening fire.

Authorities have not ruled out domestic terrorism.

The FBI, Secret Service, and Metropolitan Police Department are jointly leading the investigation. Officials say more information will be released as soon as it is verified.

The area surrounding the White House is expected to remain under tightened security for the foreseeable future. (ILKHA)