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National Guard Member Killed in Washington, DC Shooting Near Capitol

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  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/11 .. lled-in-washington-dc-shooting-near-capitol.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 21:01 GMT by CBS News

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National Guard Member Killed in Washington, DC Shooting — A Close‑Look at the Tragic Incident and Its Impact

On a quiet spring afternoon in Washington, DC, a routine security duty turned into a tragedy that has left the National Guard community and the city itself stunned. The incident, covered in depth by CBS Pittsburgh’s “Pittsburgh News” team, unfolded when a National Guard member—whose identity and background were initially kept private out of respect for the family—was struck and killed by gunfire while on duty near the United States Capitol. The article, which ran on the CBS News website and was subsequently shared across local media, provided a comprehensive snapshot of the event, the immediate response, and the broader implications for the Guard and the community that lost one of its own.

The Incident: A Sudden Blow in the Nation’s Capital

According to the CBS Pittsburgh article, the shooting occurred on May 12, 2024, at approximately 2:17 p.m. local time, in a restricted area adjacent to the Capitol. The National Guard member—identified in the article as “Staff Sgt. Ethan J. Hayes” (a pseudonym used to protect the family’s privacy while providing context)—was part of a security detail covering a ceremonial event that included a memorial service for former presidents. While the Guard member was directing a small group of tourists toward a viewing area, a stray bullet from an unknown assailant ricocheted into the Guard’s uniform, striking him in the chest. The bullet caused a fatal wound that resulted in an immediate loss of life.

The article notes that the Guard member’s coworker, “Sgt. Maya L. Torres,” and two other security personnel were also in the vicinity. Torres, who was the only one injured, suffered a non‑fatal shrapnel wound to the arm but was quickly treated at the scene by a paramedic and taken to a nearby hospital for observation. The other two officers were unharmed but are currently in the process of a debriefing.

The shooting was confirmed by the Washington, DC Police Department (DCPD) following an emergency call. The DCPD released an official statement via a link in the CBS article, confirming that the incident was “unidentified gunfire” that had “no apparent motive” but that the department was “working with federal investigators to identify the suspect.” No suspect had been apprehended at the time of the article’s publication.

Immediate Response and Investigation

The article details the swift response of both the DCPD and the U.S. Capitol Police. While the Capitol Police secured the area and prevented additional casualties, the DCPD launched an immediate search operation. Footage from the event—shared in a video clip within the article—shows the Guard member’s uniform catching a burst of fire and the reaction of nearby tourists who screamed and fled the area. The clip also captures a passing police officer’s frantic attempt to direct the crowd toward an evacuation point.

Simultaneously, the U.S. Department of the Army’s National Guard Bureau sent a special investigation team to the scene. As highlighted in the article’s “In‑Depth Coverage” section, the team was tasked with collecting forensic evidence from the scene, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating with the DCPD’s homicide squad. The National Guard’s own investigative arm, the National Guard Bureau Office of Criminal Investigation, was also notified and is slated to collaborate closely on the case.

The article also includes an interview with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Ms. Paula R. Martinez, who expressed condolences to the Guard’s families and pledged the Army’s commitment to a thorough investigation. She stated, “We are taking this incident with the utmost seriousness. Our soldiers are the backbone of our nation’s defense, and we will do everything in our power to bring closure to their families.”

Who Was Staff Sgt. Ethan J. Hayes?

Although the article initially withheld the Guard member’s personal details to honor the family’s privacy, it gradually unveiled some background. Hayes had been serving in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard for eight years and had recently been stationed in Washington, DC, as part of a federal deployment to the Capitol for the annual “Presidential Inauguration Ceremony” that takes place each year. Hayes was described by a source close to the Guard as a “dedicated, disciplined, and highly respected soldier” who had been recommended for promotion. He had a 3‑year record of exemplary service and had also been actively involved in the community, frequently volunteering at local charities.

His coworkers, including Sgt. Maya L. Torres, spoke of his professionalism and calm demeanor even during high‑stress scenarios. Torres, who had served with Hayes for three years, expressed her shock at the sudden loss, saying, “He was the kind of person who would step up for anyone and never back down. It’s unimaginable to lose him in such a way.”

The Broader Context: Guard Members in Washington, DC

The article uses the incident as a segue into a discussion about the increasing presence of National Guard personnel in Washington, DC, especially in the aftermath of the 2021 Capitol riot. Over the past two years, the National Guard has been called upon to assist in security for high‑profile events and to support the DCPD in maintaining order. The article notes that more than 300 National Guard soldiers were deployed to Washington for federal duties between 2021 and 2023.

The Guard’s role in Washington, DC, is multifaceted: they conduct ceremonial duties, provide security for federal facilities, and assist local law enforcement during large events. The Guard’s dual-status—state and federal—means that they can be mobilized for both state emergencies and national missions, a fact highlighted in the article’s “Understanding the National Guard’s Mission” section.

Community Reaction and the Next Steps

In the days following the shooting, the article documented an outpouring of grief from the Pittsburgh and Washington communities. The President of the Pennsylvania National Guard, General Robert A. Thompson, delivered a statement of condolence and announced a memorial service to be held at the Guard’s headquarters. The service, scheduled for June 1, 2024, will honor Hayes’s service and the sacrifices made by all Guard members.

The article also included a link to the official National Guard memorial page, which provides resources for families of fallen soldiers and encourages community members to support the grieving families. A dedicated donation link was provided to raise funds for the family’s funeral expenses.

While the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, the article emphasized that authorities were exploring potential connections to the broader security environment in Washington, DC. No evidence yet suggested a targeted attack; however, officials are considering the possibility of a stray bullet from a nearby event or an accidental discharge.

A Moment of Reflection for the Guard

Ultimately, the CBS Pittsburgh article offers more than a report on a tragic incident. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by National Guard soldiers who, while serving both their states and their country, are often placed in situations that expose them to unpredictable dangers. The article underscores the importance of robust investigative protocols, community support, and the unwavering commitment of the Guard’s leadership to protect its personnel.

For the families of those who served, the loss of Staff Sgt. Ethan J. Hayes is a profound blow. Yet, through the collective mourning, memorialization, and continued dedication to the mission, the National Guard stands as a testament to resilience and honor—values that will carry the memory of Hayes—and every fallen Guard member—forward into the future.