In a significant security development in the US capital, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that President Donald Trump had issued direct orders to deploy an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. This decisive move follows a shooting incident targeting two National Guard members near the White House, which triggered a widespread security alert.
Details of the decision and security reinforcements
In a press statement commenting on the incident, Higseth explained that President Trump had directed him to immediately coordinate with the Secretary of the Army to send these reinforcements to ensure security. He indicated that the primary objective of this move was to bolster existing security measures and maintain stability in the political capital of the United States.
The Secretary of Defense stated firmly, “This shooting only strengthens our resolve to ensure the security of Washington, D.C., and we will pursue terrorists everywhere to eliminate them.” This decision will increase the number of National Guard troops deployed in the nation’s capital to over 2,500, reflecting the administration’s seriousness in addressing any threats to national symbols.
Conflicting reports about the fate of the victims
The hours following the incident were marked by information confusion, with West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey retracting an earlier statement declaring the two officers from his state dead. The two officers had been shot on Wednesday near the White House.
Morrissey wrote on the X platform, clarifying the situation: “We are currently receiving conflicting reports about the condition of two National Guard members, and we will provide an update on the situation as soon as we have more complete information.” This correction comes after the official had previously announced the deaths of the two personnel, indicating the critical nature of their condition.
Trump's reaction and the arrest of the suspect
For his part, President Donald Trump reacted strongly to the incident on his Truth Social platform, calling the attacker an “animal.” Trump asserted that the perpetrator, who was also seriously injured and hospitalized, “will pay a very heavy price, whoever he is.” Medical reports indicated that the two National Guard members were in critical condition at separate hospitals.
Regarding the investigation, Washington police announced their success in arresting the suspect in carrying out the attack, amid tight security measures.
Context of the event and the importance of the National Guard
This incident is particularly significant given its sensitive geographical location near the White House, the center of American decision-making. National Guard troops play a pivotal role in supporting civilian authorities during crises, and are typically called upon to bolster security during major events or in the face of potential security threats.
The deployment of 500 additional troops indicates the US administration's desire to send a strong deterrent message: any attack on military or security forces will be met with a swift and decisive response. This move also reflects concerns about the potential for escalating violence against federal institutions, necessitating a visible and robust military presence to reassure the public and ensure the safe functioning of government.
