D.C. National Guard member and suspect wounded in Capitol Hill shootout

Key points

• Interim D.C. Police Chief Jeffery Carroll confirmed that a National Guard member was shot in the leg and a suspect was shot in the abdomen during an incident near the 400 block of 8th Street SE.
• The shooting occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Sunday when seven to eight National Guard members exited a van to break up a fight in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
• The suspect allegedly drew a weapon and pointed it at the guardsmen after they ordered him to drop it, prompting three guardsmen to return fire.
• Both the injured guard and the suspect are expected to survive, with the guard member having been treated and released from a local hospital.
• The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs and Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the incident, which began as a street altercation.

Background

This incident follows a significant escalation in security measures for Washington, D.C., where President Trump deployed the National Guard to combat crime over a year ago. In November 2025, two National Guardsmen were shot in an ambush near the White House, resulting in one death and one critical injury. The suspect in that case, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges including murder. The current shooting highlights ongoing tensions and risks associated with the Guard’s presence in the capital.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News and ABC News both reported that the National Guard member was shot in the leg while the suspect was also wounded, with both expected to survive. ABC News specified that the suspect was shot in the abdomen after pointing a weapon at the guardsmen. CBS News noted that the incident occurred near the U.S. Capitol and emphasized the context of the National Guard’s deployment since 2025. FOX 5 DC provided additional details, stating that the initial altercation began inside a nearby establishment and that the guard member was released after treatment. All sources agree on the non-life-threatening nature of the injuries and the involvement of multiple National Guard members.

Why it matters

The shooting underscores the risks faced by National Guard members deployed in Washington, D.C., and raises questions about the effectiveness and safety of their presence in the capital. It also highlights the potential for violent confrontations during public order operations, impacting public safety and community relations.

What to watch

The Metropolitan Police Department will continue its investigation, including reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses. The suspect is in custody, and the injured National Guard member is recovering. Authorities may issue further updates as the investigation progresses.