Washington
Two National Guardsmen shot down – What is known about the case
After two National Guard members were seriously injured in Washington, an investigation into the case is underway. What is known – and what is still unclear.
Shots hit two National Guardsmen in the middle of the US capital, Washington. Many things are unclear even after working hours.
What we know about the National Guard in Washington:
- Victims: Both victims were members of the National Guard from the state of West Virginia. The National Guard is the military reserve component of the United States Armed Forces. It is usually under state control and is used in the event of a natural disaster, riot, or other emergency. But in certain cases, the US President can also take command.
- Victim’s condition: Later that afternoon, the FBI and the Mayor of Washington jointly announced in a press conference that both National Guardsmen were in critical condition. Previously there had been confusion. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially announced on several online channels that both victims had died. Republicans say the National Guard comes from their states. He then made another vague and relativizing post and talked about “conflicting information” about the two’s conditions.
- Course of events: On Wednesday afternoon (local time) gunfire occurred in the middle of downtown Washington near the White House. The crime occurred one day before the important holiday of Thanksgiving. Many Americans are on their way to their families to celebrate together.
Media initially reported the incident, and moments later US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that two National Guard soldiers had been hit by gunfire. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the National Guard was “unabashedly attacked in a horrific act of violence.” According to authorities, the victims were allegedly targeted.
- Perpetrator: According to US President Donald Trump, the suspected shooter has been arrested. Hence, he was seriously injured. According to authorities, the man was shot and overpowered by other National Guardsmen who were nearby. Video footage from the area was confiscated. They are also investigating who actually shot the suspected shooter.
- Circumstances: More than 2,000 National Guard troops have been in Washington since the summer. Trump ordered them to the capital in August and justified their mobilization with alleged rampant crime. This is very controversial. Crime statistics do not support this narrative. The capital took legal action against the operation. Pentagon chief Pete Hegeseth said after the attack that Trump had asked him to send 500 more National Guard troops to Washington.
What we don’t know:
- The motive: So far little is known about the suspect. Authorities said the shot was on target.
- Other participants: Authorities said there was no sign of any other suspects. However, the investigation is still ongoing.
DPA
tkr/Anna Ringle, Luzia Geier and Franziska Spiecker
