Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were ambushed and shot just blocks from the White House on November 26, a shocking attack that left our brave Guardsmen critically wounded and the capital reeling. The scene near Farragut Square was chaotic as bystanders and first responders worked to render aid while law enforcement secured the area and took a suspect into custody.
Governor Patrick Morrisey, speaking with the urgency this moment demanded, praised the valor of the National Guardsmen and vowed, “We will get to the bottom of this,” even as initial, confused reports about the victims’ condition were corrected. The governor’s passion is exactly what Americans want to see—leadership that puts our military and law-and-order personnel first instead of spinning political narratives.
Officials say the suspect is an Afghan national who arrived in the United States in 2021 under humanitarian programs, a detail that should make every American pause and demand answers about vetting and enforcement. This is not an argument against helping allies; it is a demand that the federal government stop playing fast and loose with public safety while lecturing the rest of us about compassion from behind locked doors.
All of this happened against the backdrop of a court fight over the president’s lawful decision to deploy National Guard troops to restore public safety in the District—an order a judge temporarily stayed while appeals proceed. Let no one pretend that legal technicalities should tie the hands of commanders on the ground when soldiers are being targeted; the purpose of the Guard is to protect Americans, not be used as a political football.
President Trump responded decisively by requesting additional National Guard reinforcements, a move any responsible commander-in-chief would make when troops are under attack. Meanwhile, too many in the city’s leadership and on the left are quick to scold and slow to defend, showing once again that politics has replaced the basic duty of keeping citizens and servicemembers safe.
This is a moment for unity behind our troops, not for the perennial excuses of the politically correct elite. We should demand a full, transparent investigation, hold any responsible agencies accountable, and tighten immigration and security protocols so that loyal Americans serving our country are never left exposed again.
Pray for the recovery of the wounded Guardsmen and for their families; stand ready to support them and every man and woman who answers the call to protect our streets and public spaces. America is stronger than those who would do us harm, and we will not cower—our Republic and our servicemembers deserve nothing less than our full-throated support and relentless pursuit of justice.
