Two National Guardsmen were shot and killed blocks away from the White House on Wednesday, according to officials.
The incident, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), occurred at 17th and I Street NW, just before 3 p.m. local time, with officials asking residents to stay away from the location. Emergency vehicles had been spotted rushing to the scene with at least one helicopter landing at the National Mall, according to AP News.
The MPD confirmed that the location was secured just before 3:30 p.m., with one suspect in custody. Details on the suspect, the motive and if others were involved have not been released by officials.
President Donald Trump released a Truth Social post, confirming the two injured National Guardsmen and stating that they are in “critical condition.”
“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. God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement,” Trump wrote. “These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
Republican West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey later confirmed on X that the two guardsmen, both from West Virginia, died from their injuries.
“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,” Morrisey wrote.
Members of law enforcement, including the U.S. Secret Service and the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, respond to a shooting near the White House. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues. 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,” Morrisey added.
In August, Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and invoked Section 40 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to crack down on crime in the city. The decision from the president came after a slew of crimes in the city that attracted national attention.
Since the deployment, Democratic Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an order in September to continue Trump’s executive order of having the National Guard troops and having local law enforcement cooperate with them.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
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