In the chaotic aftermath of a shooting near the White House that left two National Guard members critically wounded, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey issued—and then quickly retracted—a statement announcing their deaths.
The Republican governor had initially posted to X (formerly Twitter) expressing “great sorrow” that the two members of the West Virginia National Guard had “passed away from their injuries.” Minutes later, however, Morrisey walked back the confirmation, stating his office was “now receiving conflicting reports.”
“We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information,” Morrisey wrote in a follow-up post. “Our prayers are with these brave service members.”
READ: Trump Vows Justice After 2 National Guardsmen Critically Wounded Near White House, Suspect Shot
The confusion underscored a tense afternoon in the nation’s capital just a day before Thanksgiving.
Authorities say gunfire erupted near 17th and I Street NW, close to the Farragut West Metro Station and blocks from the White House. The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed the scene was secured and a suspect was in custody.
President Donald Trump, currently at Mar-a-Lago for the holiday, stated on Truth Social that the guardsmen were “critically wounded” and described the suspect as “severely wounded” as well. Using harsh rhetoric, Trump referred to the alleged shooter as an “animal” who would pay a “very steep price.”
Vice President JD Vance, addressing troops at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, also suggested the service members were still fighting for their lives.
“I want everybody who’s a person of faith to say a prayer for those two National Guardsmen that they’re able to spend Thanksgiving with their families instead of losing their lives,” Vance said, noting that officials were still piecing together the motive.
READ: Gunfire Erupts Near White House: 2 National Guard Soldiers Shot As DC Police Swarm Scene
The incident triggered an immediate federal response. A temporary ground stop was issued at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to clear airspace for medevac and overwatch helicopters. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed agents were on the scene assisting local police.
Congressional leaders from both parties, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, issued statements monitoring the situation and thanking first responders for swiftly apprehending the suspect.
As investigators work to determine a motive, the condition of the two guardsmen remains the primary focus of a capital on edge.
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