Officials have confirmed that two U.S. National Guard members were fatally shot near the White House on Wednesday.
According to Fox News, sources told the outlet that the two National Guard members were shot roughly a mile away from the White House near Farragut Metro Station in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump confirmed that the two National Guard members were “critically wounded” and were hospitalized; however, Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R-W.Va.) later announced that the two National Guard troops died from their injuries.
A senior law enforcement official told CBS News that one of the injured National Guard members was transported to a hospital by ambulance, while the other injured National Guard member was transported to a hospital by helicopter.
“Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington D.C.,” Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem tweeted. “@DHSgov is working with local law enforcement to gather more information.”
In an update regarding the condition of the two National Guard troops, Morrisey shared, “It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries.”
“These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues,” Morrisey added. “Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community. West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act.”
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The Associated Press reported that Trump was at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, when the shooting took place in D.C. on Wednesday.
“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press.
In a statement released on X, formerly Twitter, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that one suspect was in custody and law enforcement officials had secured the scene of the shooting.
Following the arrest of the suspect, Trump warned in a post on Truth Social that the suspect will “pay a very steep price” for attacking two National Guard members.
“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price,” Trump stated. “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement.”
“These are truly Great People,” the president added. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
A video shared on social media shows a major National Guard and police presence near the White House following Wednesday’s shooting incident.
This was a breaking news story. The details were periodically updated as more information became available.
