West Virginia Mourns Two Guardsmen Killed in DC
Communities across West Virginia and the broader National Guard network are mourning the loss of two soldiers who were fatally shot last week while on duty in Washington, D.C., a tragedy that has sparked an outpouring of grief, reflection, and calls for renewed attention to the safety and support of service members operating in domestic capacities.
The two guardsmen—Staff Sgt. William Rivers, 35, of Martinsburg, and Sgt. Danny Woods, 29, of Beckley—were members of the West Virginia National Guard deployed as part of a multi-state support mission to the nation’s capital. They were shot on November 25 outside a local convenience store during a brief period of personal time. Authorities have not released full details about the incident, but a suspect has been apprehended, and an investigation is ongoing.
As reported in the article titled “Communities honor West Virginia National Guard members shot in DC,” published by MilitaryTimes.com on November 29, 2025, residents of the soldiers’ hometowns have organized vigils, placed memorials at public landmarks, and flown flags at half-staff in their honor. The loss resonates deeply within these close-knit Appalachian communities, where military service often runs through generations and Guard members are widely recognized as both neighbors and protectors.
Maj. Gen. Bill Crane, the Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, described the soldiers as “dedicated and courageous” individuals who embodied the Guard’s commitment to both national defense and local service. “Their deaths are a heartbreaking reminder of the risks our Guardsmen face, even in non-combat environments,” Crane said in a statement.
The incident has brought renewed national attention to the challenges faced by Guard members deployed within the United States, particularly in roles that place them in unfamiliar urban environments. While domestic deployments often offer logistical and operational support to civilian authorities, they also carry risk—risk that critics say is not always fully recognized.
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice ordered all state government buildings to lower their flags in tribute and has pledged full support for the families. “These were young men who gave everything—first to their communities, now to their nation,” Justice said during a press briefing.
In both Martinsburg and Beckley, residents have responded with solemn ceremony. Local churches held services over the weekend, and schools have organized moments of silence. The Guard has also begun coordinating with both state and federal agencies to ensure that the families of the soldiers receive full honors and benefits.
The deaths of Rivers and Woods mark one of the most significant losses for the state’s National Guard in recent memory and signal what some experts see as a burgeoning need to reassess how guardsmen are housed, transported, and protected during domestic assignments. As investigations continue, questions remain about the circumstances that led to the shooting, as well as whether procedural changes are necessary going forward.
For now, the focus remains on honoring the fallen and supporting the grieving. As the Military Times reported, thousands of residents have expressed condolences through memorial guest books and social media, underscoring the profound sense of loss felt well beyond state lines.
Funeral arrangements are currently being finalized for both soldiers, with full military honors planned.
