Podcast Summary: Bannon's War Room – Episode 4956

Title: DC Terror Attack On National Guard
Date: November 27, 2025
Host: Stephen K. Bannon
Key Guests: Jack Posobiec, Brian Glenn, Cash Patel, Muriel Bowser, Jeff Carroll, Chris Pihota, John Solomon, Wid Lyman

Main Theme Overview

This episode provides live reporting and analysis on the emergent shooting of two National Guard members near the White House in Washington, D.C. Bannon and his guests examine the ongoing investigation, reactions from officials, and broader political and security implications. The conversation is charged by references to recent political rhetoric, the role and legitimacy of National Guard deployments in D.C., and reflections on the risks facing law enforcement and military personnel. The tone is urgent, partisan, and critical of political opponents.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking Down the Incident

• Event Recap: At approximately 2:15 PM, two National Guard soldiers were shot near Farragut Square, close to the White House. Initial reports had conflicting details about fatalities and the number of shooters.
• Shooter Details: The alleged perpetrator was subdued by other National Guard members and law enforcement, taken to the hospital in critical condition (00:40–02:00, 49:04–51:58).
• Nature of Attack: Officials alternately described it as a "targeted shooting" and an "ambush," but consistently noted it appeared to be a lone gunman with no wider active network immediately identified (01:49, 06:38, 49:47).

Notable Quote:

"It was a very targeted attack on the National Guard here in Washington." — Wid Lyman, reporting from the scene (48:43)

2. Official Response & Press Conference Highlights

• Law Enforcement Reaction: Joint efforts of federal, state, and local agencies were emphasized, with FBI Director Cash Patel declaring federal primacy in the investigation (02:36, 55:46).
• Leadership Statements:
  • Cash Patel (FBI): Framed the attack as not just a federal law enforcement issue but one of national security, noting coordination with DOJ, DHS, ATF, DEA, and Secret Service (02:36, 55:46).
  • Mayor Muriel Bowser: Expressed support for the wounded soldiers and underscored coordination among agencies. She confirmed there was no indication of additional suspects (05:25, 59:58, 07:02).
  • Jeff Carroll (MPD): Provided operational detail about the quick response, medical attention, and security posture (04:31, 57:42, 06:38, 61:18).

Notable Quote:

"This is a matter of national security, because it’s a matter of pride." — Cash Patel, FBI Director (02:36, 55:46)

• Uncertain Motive & Suspect Info: Authorities stated the suspect was not cooperating, with forensic and database identification underway. No motive established at recording time (08:00, 63:08–64:29).

Notable Quote:

"At this point we have no other suspects. We have reviewed video from the area. It appears ... to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard." — Jeff Carroll, MPD (07:23, 60:34)

3. Political and Media Reactions

• Controversy Over Deployment: Debate over the legality and necessity of National Guard deployments in DC, with references to a recent federal court ruling against the Trump administration’s authority (17:52).
• Rhetoric Attribution: Several guests and callers blame “leftist” rhetoric and political opposition to National Guard presence for creating an environment that could provoke such attacks (23:23, 36:04, 41:36).

Notable Quote:

"There’s been this issue, the evolution of this from when President Trump first did was pressure from the left. But you had people on Capitol Hill just weren’t prepared to support President Trump ..." — Stephen K. Bannon (38:41)

• Media Critique: Bannon and guests sharply criticize media figures (mentioning Jane Mayer and Nicole Wallace) and politicians (including Al Sharpton) for “blaming Trump” and allegedly undermining law enforcement defense (41:10–44:02, 32:32).

Notable Quote:

"They only cry when it’s convenient to make a case against Donald Trump. The American people are way smarter than Al Sharpton or Nicole Wallace will ever be." — Brian Glenn (44:02)

4. Broader Security Analysis

• Expert Input: Chris Pihota (former FBI Assistant Director) details investigative priorities—suspect identification, surveillance review, determining if it’s an isolated lone attacker (22:13–24:27, 50:52).
• Soft Targets and Radicalization: Discussion of risks to public security, citing previous incidents (e.g. Charlie Kirk’s assassination), radicalized individuals, and the leaderless resistance model (25:29, 26:30).
• Implications for National Guard Safety: Calls for all Guardsmen to be armed and for policy change regarding engagement and protective measures (30:55, 39:35).

Notable Quote:

“You need rough men to commit acts of roughness in order to keep people safe from violent animals.” — Jack Posobiec (32:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Unity of Law Enforcement:
  • “We have assembled the full force of both the federal and state and local law enforcement agencies ... make no mistake, they will be brought to justice.”
    — Cash Patel, FBI Director ([02:36])
• On Motivations and Radicalization:
  • “It just could have been a random shooting by someone who is a disaffected person, saw two uniformed National Guardsmen and fired upon them ... irresponsible talk or agitation could move these people to action.”
    — Chris Pihota, ex-FBI ([23:23], [26:30])
• On Media and Political Rhetoric:
  • “She takes the side of the criminal. This is what they do: they deny, attack, and then reverse victim and offender. It’s called DARVO.”
    — Jack Posobiec ([32:32])
  • “Al Sharpton ... is doing a disservice to those men and women. They don’t even understand those men and women.”
    — Brian Glenn ([44:02])
• On Immediate Scene Reactions:
  • “We got here a few minutes after the situation kind of unfolded. Behind me here is Farragut Square ... The shooter came around a corner, opened fire right away in what appears to be a very targeted attack on the National Guard.”
    — Wid Lyman ([47:34])
• On Leadership and National Security:
  • “President Trump has been informed ... We will shortchange the American public with no resources to make sure we ... bring anyone responsible for this heinous act of violence to justice.”
    — Cash Patel ([02:36], [55:46])

Important Segment Timeline

• 00:00–01:49: Incident recap and developing details from Bannon and Glenn
• 02:36–06:38: Full press conference replay — Cash Patel, Jeff Carroll, Muriel Bowser
• 07:23–08:56: Press Q&A — status of suspects and procedural details
• 11:10–14:26: Jack Posobiec analyses political angles and conservative infighting
• 16:22–19:17: Legality of National Guard deployment debated by Glenn and Bowser
• 22:13–27:22: Security analysis with Chris Pihota, focus on lone wolf terrorism and law enforcement responses
• 36:04–39:35: John Solomon joins with context on political rhetoric and discussion about arming Guardsmen
• 44:02–45:46: Critique of media coverage (Sharpton, MSNBC) and defense of National Guard presence
• 47:34–51:58: Live report from scene (Wid Lyman), focus on specifics and press briefing aftermath
• 55:46–62:14: Press conference replay and follow-up technical law enforcement discussion
• 63:08–65:26: FBI identification procedures, technology stack, and vigil mention

Flow & Tone

• Direct, urgent, sometimes confrontational.
• Deeply partisan, frequently assailing mainstream media and political critics.
• Mix of live reporting, expert commentary, and polemical advocacy for law enforcement and Trump administration decisions.
• Multiple returns to themes of national security, law enforcement bravery, and the dangers of ideological radicalization.

Conclusion

Episode 4956 of Bannon’s War Room is an emergency broadcast in the wake of a shooting targeting National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The episode marshals real-time reports, expert insight, and strong political commentary, arguing for robust law enforcement action, criticizing “irresponsible” rhetoric from political opponents, and demanding greater support and armament for deployed National Guard. The conversation is defined by a mix of live updates, expert input, and pointed critique of both media and left-leaning politicians, all situated in the emotionally charged context of a holiday eve tragedy.

For listeners seeking quick orientation:
This episode covers the who, what, where, and (as far as then known) the why of a developing security crisis in DC, alongside a dense overlay of partisan perspective and security policy debate. The casualty status, ongoing investigation, and implications for national security dominate the narrative, while underlying every segment is a strong defense of the National Guard’s presence and role amidst political and media opposition.