Two National Guardsmen have been shot just a few blocks away from the White House in Washington DC.
Police say a suspect has been taken into custody as the ‘scene is secured’, while Reuters’ White House correspondent, Jeff Mason, reports that the White House has since gone into lockdown.
Authorities have confirmed to the BBC that three victims have been taken to hospital, with their condition said to be in critical condition, according to Associated Press.
Law officials also said to CBS that the suspect was injured and has been transferred to a hospital, with their condition currently unknown.
“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed,” Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on X: “Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington DC.”
Donald Trump is not believed to be in the White House, instead at his Palm Beach resort ahead of the Thanksgiving celebrations on Thursday. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance is currently in Kentucky.
President Trump has since spoken out following the shooting, saying in a statement on Truth Social: “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.
“These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
Multiple media outlets are reporting the shooting took place at roughly 2:20 p.m. ET at the entrance to the Farragut West Metro station, near the busy 17th and I St NW intersection in the capital.
Meanwhile, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesperson told NBC that flights into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were being suspended due to the airport’s close proximity to the shooting.
The National Guard have also since addressed the incident, as they said (via CBS): “We’re aware of the incident and we are working closely with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and other law enforcement agencies.
“The health and safety of our service members is our top priority as we continue to support the citizens and visitors of Washington, DC.”
According to Sky News, tons of National Guards have been patrolling Washington DC after President Trump initiated an emergency order in August, which federalised the local police force and sent in the guard from eight states.