Shooting near White House to be investigated as possible act of terrorism

Two West Virginia National Guard members are in critical condition after a gunman opened fire on them in what appeared to be a “targeted” attack near the White House on Wednesday afternoon, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

Other Guard members quickly intervened, subdued the shooter, and helped stop further harm. The suspect was also critically injured.

Officials say that the attacker acted alone.

President Donald Trump condemned the incident, calling it “an act of terror,” and urged a review of immigration cases involving Afghan nationals since the suspect entered the US from Afghanistan in 2021.

Trump ordered 500 additional troops to Washington after the shooting.

Hours later, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced an immediate pause on all immigration applications from Afghan nationals, citing the need for stricter security reviews. 

Federal agencies, including the FBI, are investigating the shooting as a possible act of international terrorism.

Washington briefly went into lockdown as multiple agencies responded. Authorities said they will release more details about the suspect today.