A newly surfaced video showing National Guard soldiers exchanging gunfire with an active shooter in downtown Washington, D.C., has sent shockwaves through the nation’s capital — and raised new questions about how an armed confrontation erupted so close to the White House. The footage, captured on a bystander’s phone, appears to show at least three members of the D.C. National Guard taking cover behind vehicles as shots ring out in rapid bursts.
The incident reportedly took place late Friday evening near Constitution Avenue NW, less than half a mile from the White House lawn, according to officials who spoke with CNN. Law enforcement sources told NBC Washington that National Guard personnel had been deployed to assist local police after reports of an armed individual firing indiscriminately into traffic. “It was chaos,” one officer said. “We heard shots — then saw muzzle flashes from both sides.”
The dramatic video, now circulating widely on X and TikTok, shows uniformed soldiers returning fire down a dimly lit street as civilians duck for cover behind parked cars. Sirens wail in the background as shouts of “Get down!” echo through the night. The clip, which has been verified by Reuters, lasts just under 40 seconds but captures a chilling sense of panic and precision — the kind of violence rarely seen in the heart of America’s capital.
“New video shows D.C. National Guard returning fire in downtown shootout — just blocks from the White House.” @guardian
Witnesses described the scene as “a war zone.” “We saw sparks flying off the pavement,” said Rachel Kim, who was leaving a nearby restaurant when the shots erupted. “It was like a movie — soldiers yelling, people running, bullets hitting cars. I can’t believe this happened in D.C.”
According to a preliminary statement released by the Metropolitan Police Department, the exchange of gunfire occurred after a suspect opened fire on a federal security vehicle patrolling the area. Officers called for backup, and National Guard units stationed nearby responded within minutes. “Our personnel acted with professionalism and restraint under extreme pressure,” the department said. “The suspect initiated the confrontation. Law enforcement returned fire to neutralize the threat.”
Multiple outlets, including The New York Times, have confirmed that at least one individual — believed to be the shooter — was critically injured during the exchange and taken into custody shortly afterward. No National Guard members or civilians were killed, though several bystanders were treated for minor injuries caused by flying debris and shattered glass.
Military officials have praised the soldiers’ rapid response. “They prevented what could have been a mass-casualty event,” said Army spokesperson Lt. Col. David Bryant in a statement to Fox News. “Their actions were disciplined, measured, and lifesaving.”
“Officials say the suspect opened fire first — National Guard’s response likely prevented further bloodshed.” @reuters
Still, the presence of live gunfire within sight of the White House has rattled residents and lawmakers alike. “This is deeply alarming,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser during a press briefing early Saturday. “The fact that our National Guard was forced into an active combat situation in our streets underscores the worsening threat of urban gun violence.”
Videos posted online show the moment crowds of tourists were rushed away from nearby Lafayette Square as officers shouted for them to “move, move, move.” In one clip shared by @Acyn, a voice can be heard yelling, “Shots fired — Guard’s engaging!” The footage has already been viewed more than 20 million times.
Officials have not released the shooter’s identity but confirmed he was a 34-year-old male with a prior record of weapons offenses. Investigators are now examining his possible motives, with early reports suggesting the man may have been targeting a government vehicle. “We are exploring all angles,” said FBI spokesperson Sarah O’Donnell to CBS News. “At this stage, there is no indication of terrorism — but this was deliberate.”
For those caught in the crossfire, the memory will linger. “The sound was deafening,” said a rideshare driver who witnessed the confrontation. “You could feel the air shake from the gunfire. Everyone was terrified. But the soldiers — they didn’t flinch.”
“Civilians describe ‘pure chaos’ as National Guard soldiers exchange gunfire with suspect near Constitution Ave.” @people
Security around the White House and surrounding federal buildings was immediately tightened following the incident, with several streets temporarily shut down overnight. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed it had placed the White House on “precautionary lockdown” for approximately 45 minutes as the situation unfolded. “At no time was the President in danger,” a spokesperson said.
As investigators comb through the scene, questions are being raised about how the suspect was able to approach such a sensitive area armed. “It’s a major lapse,” said security analyst Peter Bergen during a segment on MSNBC. “The National Guard shouldn’t be engaged in firefights within the shadow of the White House — that’s a sign of something seriously broken in security coordination.”
The video’s release has reignited debate about gun violence and the militarization of the nation’s capital. On X, lawmakers from both parties expressed shock at the footage. “When our own Guard is exchanging gunfire in D.C. streets, something has gone terribly wrong,” wrote Senator Chris Murphy. “This is not normal.”
For the soldiers involved, the night ended with applause from both their peers and commanding officers — though one described it as an experience he hopes never to repeat. “We train for it, but you never expect it to happen here,” he told Politico. “We did our job. But I’ll never forget those sounds.”
Officials say additional security measures have since been put in place across the D.C. metropolitan area. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is also assisting in the ongoing investigation, with more information expected in the coming days. For a city already on edge, the video serves as a grim reminder of how quickly ordinary streets can become battlefields — even in the heart of the nation’s democracy.