A brazen attack just two blocks from the White House on Wednesday left two West Virginia National Guard members critically wounded and sent ripples through the nation's capital, briefly shutting down arrivals at Reagan National Airport and drawing a fierce response from President Donald Trump.

Gunman Opens Fire Near Metro Station

The shooting unfolded when a lone gunman rounded a corner near a Metro entrance and immediately opened fire on a small Guard detail patrolling the area. Other troops responded quickly, rushing toward the gunfire and tackling the assailant to the ground, holding him until law enforcement arrived. At least one Guard member exchanged fire with the shooter during the confrontation, officials said.

The suspect was shot and hospitalized with injuries that authorities say are not life-threatening. FBI Director Kash Patel and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser described the incident as a "targeted shooting." The two wounded Guard members remained in critical condition. Nearly 2,200 Guard troops are currently deployed to a joint task force in Washington.

Trump Deploys 500 More Troops, Vows Retaliation

Trump, spending Thanksgiving in Florida, ordered an additional 500 Guard members to Washington following the attack. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the deployment. "The animal who shot these brave Guard members will pay a very steep price," Trump wrote on Truth Social, praising the troops as "truly Great People."

Vice President JD Vance called on Americans to pray for the wounded soldiers, describing the shooting as a stark reminder that "our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States."

Airport Disruptions Hit Peak Travel Week

The Federal Aviation Administration briefly paused arrivals at Reagan National Airport because aircraft involved in the emergency response were operating near the airport's flight paths. Normal operations resumed shortly after, but the timing couldn't have been worse. The disruption came during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, with the TSA preparing to screen roughly 17.8 million passengers over the Thanksgiving period.