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.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.