Donald Trump has spoken out after two National Guardsmen were shot just a few blocks away from the White House in Washington DC.
Today (November 26), it was announced that two National Guardsmen had been shot, with West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey saying that reports on their condition were unclear, after initially claiming that they’d died from their injuries.
He said on social media: “We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information.”
Multiple media outlets are reporting the shooting took place at roughly 2:20pm ET at the entrance to the Farragut West Metro station, near the busy 17th and I St NW intersection in the capital.
Meanwhile, a third person was also reportedly shot, but their identity hasn’t been made clear.
Washington DC Metropolitan Police confirmed that a suspect, who is reported to be injured, had been taken into custody and has been taken into hospital.
President Donald Trump is not 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, though he has said that no motive for the shooting has been established.
The president said in a post 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!”
“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed,” Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, said.
Reuters have also reported that the White House has gone into lockdown.
The FBI and other federal agencies are assisting with the investigation, as FBI director Kash Patel said the agency is ‘engaged and assisting’, adding: “Please pray for them and we will update with more information as we are able.”
Earlier this year, Trump announced a federal takeover of the capital’s Metropolitan Police Department, which is one of the most drastic actions the POTUS could have took.
The Administration confirmed the National Guard will be deployed in DC to tackle crime, as Trump slams the capital as worse than the ‘worst places on Earth’.
“This is liberation day in D.C., and we’re gonna take our capital back,” Trump told press at the White House.
Trump had declared a ‘public safety emergency’ in Washington, stating the capital is currently a ‘sanctuary for illegal alien criminals’.
“We will bring in the military if it’s needed, by the way,” the president added.