Officials give update on shooting of two National Guard members in DC

Key Concepts

• Assault on a Federal Law Enforcement Officer
• National Guard
• Interagency Task Force
• Critical Condition
• Preliminary Investigation
• Lone Gunman
• Heinous Act of Violence
• National Security
• US Attorney's Office
• Department of Homeland Security
• Secret Service
• ATF
• DEA
• Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
• DC Fire and EMS

Incident Overview and Law Enforcement Response

This transcript details a briefing following a violent incident in Washington D.C. where members of the DC National Guard were shot. FBI Director Kash Patel, Executive Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Mayor Muriel Bowser provided updates on the situation.

FBI Director Kash Patel's Statement

Director Patel described the event as a "brazenly attacked in a horrendous act of violence" where two individuals were shot and are in "critical condition." He emphasized the full force of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies being assembled to utilize all resources to find the perpetrators. Patel stated that this incident would be treated at the federal level as an "assault on a federal law enforcement officer," with the FBI leading the mission in conjunction with interagency partners including the Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, ATF, and DEA. He thanked the Mayor and MPD for their assistance, highlighting their exceptional skills in investigating homicides and shootings. Patel stressed that this is a "matter of national security" and "pride," and that President Trump has been informed and the White House has been contacted. He assured the American public that no resources would be spared to find and safeguard the nation's capital and bring those responsible to justice. Patel concluded by asking for prayers for the "brave warriors" in critical condition and their families, recognizing them as heroes serving and protecting Americans.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Executive Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll's Statement

Chief Carroll provided details on the timeline and apprehension of the suspect. At approximately 2:15 PM, members of the DC National Guard were on "high visibility patrols" in the area of 17th and I Street Northwest when a suspect "came around the corner, raised his arm with a firearm and discharged it at the National Guard members." Other National Guard members in the area were able to "subdue the individual and bring them into custody" after some exchange. Law enforcement officers in the area also assisted in taking the suspect into custody. Both the National Guard members and the suspect were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Mayor Muriel Bowser's Statement

Mayor Bowser echoed the sentiments of concern for the Guardsmen and their families. She confirmed that leadership from the DC National Guard, West Virginia National Guard, US Secret Service, Deputy Mayor, Fire Chief, and Metro's General Manager were present. She reiterated the commitment for MPD to investigate and the US Attorney to prosecute the case to the fullest extent of the law. Mayor Bowser had briefed US Attorney General Pam Bondi and United States Attorney Pirro, who assured her of their office's complete attention to the case.

Investigation Details and Clarifications

Suspect Information and Apprehension

• Number of Suspects: At the time of the briefing, there was no indication of any other suspect involved. The one suspect involved was shot during the interaction and transported to the hospital.
• Suspect's Condition: The suspect was in the hospital receiving treatment, and it was unclear if they had been questioned due to the severity of their condition.
• Apprehension Process: The suspect approached and immediately began firing at two National Guard members. Other National Guard members in the vicinity heard the gunfire, intervened, and "held down the suspect after he had been shot on the ground." Law enforcement arrived moments later.
• Who Shot the Suspect: It was not clear at that point who shot the suspect, and it was still under investigation.
• Weapon Used: The type of weapon used by the suspect was still under investigation.
• Motive: No motive had been established at that preliminary stage of the investigation. Various federal agencies were involved in looking into all aspects.

Condition of National Guard Members

• Both National Guard members shot were in "critical condition" and being treated at a local hospital.
• There was no indication that anyone else was injured.

Validation of National Guard Presence

Mayor Bowser stated that this incident, a "targeted shooting" by one individual who appeared to target the Guardsmen, validated the need for the National Guard's presence in D.C.

Interagency Collaboration and Commitment

The briefing highlighted a strong interagency response, with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, ATF, DEA, MPD, and the US Attorney's Office working collaboratively. This collaboration was described as the "power of the US government at its best, at the state, local and federal level." The commitment was to "keep DC safe" and ensure that the "heinous act will be investigated."

Notable Quotes

• FBI Director Kash Patel: "Brazenly attacked in a horrendous act of violence. They were shot. They're in critical condition."
• FBI Director Kash Patel: "Make no mistake, they will be brought to justice."
• FBI Director Kash Patel: "This is a matter of national security, because it's a matter of pride."
• FBI Director Kash Patel: "Please send your prayers to those brave warriors who are in critical condition and their families. They are here serving our country. They are here protecting everyday Americans and citizens around the world in our nation's capital. They are the heroes of this day."
• Executive Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll: "The one suspect that was involved in this incident, they were shot during the interaction, and they were transported to the hospital for treatment."
• Mayor Muriel Bowser: "We join with the FBI Director in ensuring that MPD investigates. The US Attorney prosecutes this case to the fullest extent of the law."
• Mayor Muriel Bowser: "The reason that this suspect is in custody is because of the bravery of the men and women of the National Guard who responded due to their extensive training to secure American lives."

Conclusion

The briefing conveyed a unified and determined response to a violent attack on National Guard members in Washington D.C. The incident, characterized as a targeted shooting by a lone gunman, resulted in two Guardsmen being critically injured. Law enforcement agencies, led by the FBI, are conducting a comprehensive investigation, treating the assault as a federal crime. The swift apprehension of the suspect was attributed to the bravery and training of the National Guard members present. The incident underscored the importance of the National Guard's presence in the capital and the critical need for interagency cooperation in maintaining national security. Prayers were requested for the injured Guardsmen and their families, and assurances were given that justice would be served.