Goodweather Responds to Shooting of Two National Guard Members Near White House
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2025
Contact:
Anthony Field | Campaign Manager, Goodweather for DC
anthony@goodweatherfordc.com | 301.892.3165
Goodweather Responds to Shooting of Two National Guard Members Near White House
Calls for accountability, support for families, and a shift away from failed militarization
Washington, D.C. — Gary Goodweather, D.C. business leader, U.S. Army veteran, former National Guard member, and candidate for Mayor of Washington, D.C., issued a statement tonight following the tragic shooting of two National Guard members near the White House.
“This was a senseless and unacceptable act of violence,” Goodweather said. “Two Guardsmen have been attacked while serving our city. They were guests in Washington. They were protecting this community. They, like everyone in our city, should be safe from violence.”
Goodweather stressed that the Guardsmen were placed in a role they never should have been asked to fill. Their families and fellow Guardsmen are now enduring a loss that should never have happened.
“This wasn’t their mission, and it wasn’t their choice to be here,” he said. “Political decisions put them in harm’s way. Everyone in D.C. deserves to be safe — residents, visitors, and those asked to protect us.”
Goodweather emphasized that escalation is not the answer to this tragedy. He called for a response rooted in accountability and prevention, not anger or deeper militarization. He recognizes that the cycle of crisis and crackdown keeps failing us. We need clarity, compassion, and real solutions that stop violence before it happens.
Goodweather outlined three immediate steps he is calling for:
Support for the families — to be provided jointly by the National Guard Bureau and the State Guard Association, with D.C. offering any local assistance needed.
A coordinated investigation — led by federal law enforcement in partnership with MPD to ensure full transparency and accountability.
A shift away from militarized responses — with D.C. investing instead in community policing, violence prevention, mental health, housing, and long-term community safety.
Goodweather closed by urging a clear break from past failures.
“We honor these Guardsmen by rejecting the choices that put them in harm’s way and by building a safer Washington for everyone.”
Gary Goodweather for Mayor is a grassroots, Fair Elections campaign committed to building a safer, stronger, and more self-determined Washington, D.C.
###
Paid for by Goodweather for DC, Malachy Nugent, Treasurer