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
Saylor Graham, 7, Fights to Recover After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting as Teacher Becky Drury Faces Long Recovery
BEND, Oregon — Seven-year-old Saylor Graham is recovering from life-threatening injuries after being shot at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on October 15, 2026. Meanwhile, 54-year-old teacher Becky Drury is beginning a lengthy recovery after suffering gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand during the deadly school shooting.
The latest updates from the two families offer a glimpse of the difficult road ahead for survivors of a tragedy that claimed the lives of three children and a teacher, leaving families, classmates, and the wider Bend community grieving.
Saylor Graham, described by her family as a loving, feisty girl with a strong determination to thrive, was shot in the jaw during the shooting, according to the information shared by her family and supporters. She was airlifted from Bend for medical treatment.
Her family says the 7-year-old has already faced numerous medical challenges throughout her young life. Now, she is confronting another devastating ordeal, with her parents remaining by her side as she receives treatment and begins the recovery process.
Updates shared about Saylor’s condition have differed. An earlier account described her as being in critical condition, while a later update reported that she was in serious but stable condition. Her latest status should be confirmed with her family or an official source before publication.
For Saylor’s parents, the emotional strain is accompanied by significant financial uncertainty. Both parents are self-employed, and the demands of remaining at the hospital have sharply limited their ability to work. They must also manage medical expenses, transportation, lodging, household bills, and the needs of their other child.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized to help Saylor’s family manage the financial pressures arising from her injuries and ongoing treatment.
The fundraiser describes Saylor as a daughter, sister, and niece whose determination has carried her through numerous medical challenges. It explains that the family is facing uncertainty as they remain close to her during recovery.
The appeal states that donations will help cover hospital bills, time away from work, lodging, transportation, and other urgent family expenses.
The fundraiser also asks supporters to keep Saylor and her loved ones in their thoughts and prayers, emphasizing that every contribution and act of kindness can make a difference during this difficult time.
Readers who wish to support Saylor’s recovery can find the fundraiser through the link shared by her family or the original organizer. The campaign details and donation link should be verified before being shared.
Becky Drury, 54, a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School, was also wounded in the shooting. She suffered gunshot injuries to her left arm and right hand and has undergone surgery.
Her husband, Will, shared a hopeful update, saying the operation went well. However, the injuries to her left arm were extensive, and she is expected to require additional procedures and a prolonged recovery.
Despite the difficult road ahead, her husband’s message offered a moment of relief amid the grief surrounding the shooting.
“The good news is she will be ok and we all get to keep that magnificent woman we love so much in our lives,” he said.
His words reflect the gratitude of a family facing a frightening and uncertain recovery while knowing that Becky survived.
The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School left three children and one teacher dead, according to the information provided in reports about the incident.
Five-year-old Rhoam Summer has been publicly identified among the children killed. Megan Lambert, 25, a teacher also known as “Coach Megan,” was identified as the adult victim. Two other children, ages 8 and 11, were also killed.
Their deaths have left four families facing an unimaginable loss. While Saylor and Becky continue their recoveries, the families of those who died are beginning a different and heartbreaking journey of grief.
The contrast between the survivors’ fight to recover and the families’ permanent loss has become one of the most painful realities of the tragedy.
For Saylor’s family, every update about her condition carries enormous significance. Her parents are navigating the uncertainty of their daughter’s recovery while trying to remain present for her and care for their family.
For Becky Drury’s loved ones, the successful surgery has brought relief, even as further treatment and rehabilitation lie ahead.
Their stories do not erase the devastating loss experienced by the families of the victims. Instead, they highlight the many ways the shooting has changed lives and the long road that survivors and loved ones must now face.
As Bend mourns the children and teacher who did not return home, the community continues to hope for Saylor’s recovery and for Becky to regain her health.
Saylor Graham and Becky Drury are among those still fighting their way forward after the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting. Their families are asking for support, compassion, and privacy as they face the difficult days ahead.