National Guard member and suspect wounded in shooting on Capitol Hill, DC police say

As of 3:39 a.m. ET, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026

A National Guard member and a suspect were shot and wounded late Sunday in the 400 block of 8th Street SE in Washington, the Metropolitan Police Department said.

"MPD is investigating a shooting in the 400 block of 8th Street SE involving a National Guardsman," the department said in a post on X at 1:30 a.m. ET Monday. ABC News also reported the statement.

Interim Police Chief Jeffery Carroll told reporters at the scene that Guard members who had been parked in a vehicle on the block saw a fight break out on the sidewalk at about 11:10 p.m. Sunday and got out to try to stop it, and then heard gunshots after a man who had been involved in the fight pulled out a firearm and began shooting. Guard members immediately ordered him to put down the gun, Carroll said. The man pointed the weapon toward them and Guard members returned fire, according to Carroll. Recapping the shooting later in the briefing, Carroll said the man "discharged a round at the National Guard members who returned fire at that suspect".

Seven or eight Guard members had been in the vehicle, a van, Carroll said. The confrontation began on the sidewalk near the entrance to an alley, and the man then ran into the alley, where he fired again, Carroll said. Three Guard members fired their weapons, and it was not yet known which of them struck the suspect, he said.

One Guard member and the suspect were struck, Carroll said. The Guard member was hit in the leg, he said. Asked by a reporter whether the suspect had been shot in the abdomen, Carroll said that was correct. Both were taken to local hospitals and are expected to survive, he said. Guard members began giving aid, and DC Fire and EMS personnel from a firehouse beside the scene treated both wounded people, Carroll said. Carroll said the suspect was placed under arrest. Police have not identified him or announced charges. The suspect is hospitalized in custody, 7News WJLA reported. WJLA also reported that the Guard member was shot in the leg and the suspect in the abdominal area.

MPD's Internal Affairs Division and Criminal Investigations Division are investigating, Carroll said. He said there was no further threat to the community. Police asked anyone with information to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.

The DC National Guard and the Army had not commented publicly as of 3:39 a.m. ET.