Attack on National Guard Members in Washington, D.C.

During a discussion on “Special Report with Bret Baier,” Fox News political analyst Brit Hume characterized the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C., as one of the most shocking attempted murders he’s seen.

Police responded quickly to the scene at 17th Avenue and Eye Street NW after a gunman fatally shot the two Guardsmen on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a short lockdown of the area. Hume noted that early witness reports indicate the gunman may have shouted phrases associated with past extremist acts, suggesting these details could shape how both the public and authorities perceive the motive behind the incident.

“There are some mentions of him shouting ‘Allahu Akbar,’ which is a phrase that resonates from the actions of Islamic extremists over the years. If that’s confirmed, it will likely overshadow discussions about the motives involved here,” Hume commented.

He emphasized that the shooting could represent more than a severe crime.

“If it’s deemed an act of terrorism, it would certainly be classified differently. But this was nearly a cold-blooded attempted murder as one could imagine. There’s no justification for this,” Hume remarked.

FBI Director Kash Patel indicated that the shooting would be treated as an attack on federal law enforcement officers. The National Guard has been present in D.C. since August to aid in efforts against escalating crime and disorder, with nearly 2,200 personnel currently deployed.

During a news conference, Patel confirmed that the two Guardsmen who were shot near the White House remain alive but in critical condition. “At about 2:15 p.m. local time, two courageous members of the National Guard and the Department of the Army were brazenly assaulted in a terrible act of violence in Washington, D.C. They were shot and are in critical condition,” Patel stated.