Republican West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Wednesday initially said two West Virginia National Guard members shot near the White House had died, then quickly walked the statement back, saying his office was “receiving conflicting reports.”
Morrisey’s reversal came amid fast-moving reports after an afternoon shooting in downtown Washington. Police said a suspect was taken into custody as agencies flooded the scene near the White House, but officials did not immediately release the victims’ conditions. (RELATED: Two National Guardsmen Critically Wounded In D.C. Shooting, Suspect In Custody)
“It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries,” Morrisey posted earlier on X. “These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country.”
It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries. These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact…
— Governor Patrick Morrisey (@wvgovernor) November 26, 2025
Minutes later, he posted: “We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information.”
We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information.
Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.
— Governor Patrick Morrisey (@wvgovernor) November 26, 2025
Authorities said one suspect was in custody after the shooting near the White House, which triggered a large law-enforcement response and road closures in the area, according to Reuters.
Editor’s note: This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly.