Crime
One West Virginia National Guard Member Killed Another Critically Injured After Shooting Near the White House, Suspect in Custody
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier Wednesday near the White House have died from their injuries, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed.
“It is with profound sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, D.C., have passed away from their injuries,” Governor Morrisey said in a statement posted to X. “These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community.”
Governor Morrisey added that the state would pursue full accountability for what he described as a “horrific act,” stating that West Virginia will never forget the sacrifice of the fallen service members.
The shooting occurred near the intersection of 17th Street Northwest and I Street Northwest, just blocks from the White House.
Initial emergency radio traffic confirmed that two National Guard members had been shot and transported from the scene—one with multiple gunshot wounds to the lower body and the other reportedly suffering a gunshot wound to the head.
Authorities stated that a suspect is in custody.
The suspect also sustained gunshot injuries but is expected to survive, according to a source familiar with the investigation.
The scene was heavily secured with police tape as emergency vehicles, flashing lights, and helicopters surrounded the area. Witnesses reported hearing two gunshots followed by three more about half a minute later, triggering panic as people ran for safety. One eyewitness reported that a group of children were nearby when the gunfire erupted.
Personnel from the U.S. Secret Service, Metropolitan Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and on-duty National Guard troops responded. At least one medical helicopter landed on the National Mall to assist with transport.
All three gunshot victims were taken to local hospitals, according to Vito Maggiolo, Public Information Officer for DC Fire and Emergency Services.
The Metropolitan Police Department, Joint DC Task Force, and federal agencies are working jointly on the investigation. No motive has been released, and officials have not said whether the shooting was targeted or random.
The National Guard issued a statement acknowledging the incident and confirming coordination with law enforcement, stating:
“We are aware of the incident and are working closely with the Metropolitan Police Department and other agencies. The health and safety of our service members is our top priority as we continue to support citizens and visitors of Washington, D.C.”
President Donald Trump, who is currently in Florida for Thanksgiving, responded to the shooting on Truth Social, writing:
“The animal who shot the guardsmen will pay a very steep price. God bless our great National Guard, our Military, and our Law Enforcement. I stand with you.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also responded publicly, writing on X:
“Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington, D.C.”
A spokesperson for Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that city officials are actively monitoring the situation.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.