• Metropolitan Police Department declares “critical incident” after shooting at 17th and I Street NW

• Three victims, including two National Guard members, transported to hospitals with undisclosed injuries

• Shooting occurs amid increased military presence following August emergency order on crime

WASHINGTON, DC (TDR) — Police have locked down a busy intersection blocks from the White House after two National Guard members were shot Wednesday afternoon. The incident, which occurred near Farragut Square, drew a massive law enforcement response and prompted authorities to issue a shelter-in-place warning for the immediate area.

Shooting at 17th and I Street

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) posted a “critical incident” alert on social media at 2:42 p.m. ET, urging the public to avoid the area around 17th and I Street NW. Officers arriving at the scene discovered three victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that two of the victims were uniformed service members. “We are working closely with local law enforcement to gather more information,” Noem stated, asking for prayers for the wounded.

Emergency responders transported all three victims to area hospitals. Their medical conditions remain unknown as of late Wednesday afternoon. Authorities have not yet released descriptions of a suspect or indicated whether any arrests have been made.

Context of Military Presence

The presence of National Guard troops in the nation’s capital stems from an emergency order issued by President Donald Trump in August 2025. The directive authorized the deployment of hundreds of guardsmen from the District and surrounding states to assist local police in combating violent crime.

“I think there’s no more important job for this department than to stand alongside federal law enforcement partners and local police in securing our nation’s capital.” — Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson, regarding the deployment mission

While the troops have been a visible fixture in downtown Washington for months, this appears to be the first instance of guardsmen being targeted or involved in a shooting since the operation began.

White House Response

The shooting took place less than a mile from the executive mansion. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration is “aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation” and that President Trump has been briefed.

Video footage from the scene showed a heavy concentration of emergency vehicles, including ambulances and tactical units, swarming the intersection near the Farragut West Metro station. Police cordoned off several city blocks, disrupting rush hour traffic as investigators combed the area for evidence.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation is being led by the MPD with assistance from federal agencies. The FBI and Secret Service responded to the scene, which is standard procedure for violent incidents occurring in such close proximity to federal buildings.

Observers note that this event may reignite debates regarding the role of military personnel in domestic law enforcement. The August mobilization was described by the administration as a necessary step to restore order, while critics have questioned the effectiveness and safety of using soldiers for municipal policing duties.

As night fell, police maintained a perimeter around the crime scene. Officials have promised further updates as more details regarding the victims’ status and the circumstances of the shooting become available.

How might this incident impact the future deployment of National Guard troops for domestic policing operations in major U.S. cities?