On Sunday night (October 18), a group confrontation in Southeast Washington DC escalated into a shooting incident involving National Guard members. Following their intervention, one Guard member and one suspect were injured by gunshots, but both are reported to be in stable condition without life-threatening injuries.
The interim chief of the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department, Jeffery W. Carroll, stated in a press conference on Monday morning (October 19) that the incident occurred around 11:10 pm on Sunday at the block of 400 Southeast 8th Street, near the Eastern Market community. Approximately 7 to 8 National Guard members in a van were monitoring a group of individuals on the sidewalk.
A physical altercation suddenly broke out within the crowd, prompting the Guard members to step out of the van to intervene. During the altercation, a male participant pulled out a firearm and began shooting. Carroll reported that the Guard members immediately ordered the man to drop his weapon, but he turned the gun towards them and fired. Three Guard members then returned fire, resulting in the suspect being shot in the abdomen and one Guard member being shot in the leg.
Both individuals were taken to the hospital for treatment, and their injuries were deemed non-life-threatening. The suspect is currently under police supervision at the hospital. The identities of both parties have not been disclosed by law enforcement.
Carroll assured that there is currently “no further threat to the community” from the incident. The Internal Affairs Division and the Criminal Investigation Division are conducting an investigation into the event, including determining which Guard member’s bullet struck the suspect and the root cause of the confrontation. Other individuals involved in the initial altercation fled the scene after the shooting, and authorities are urging witnesses to come forward with any information.
This incident comes less than a year after another shooting involving National Guard personnel. On November 26, 2025, two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot while patrolling outside the Farragut West Metro station, resulting in the tragic death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom the following day.