Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House, and the suspect involved in the shooting was taken into custody.
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department said in a social media post that the scene of the shooting was secured and one suspect was in custody.
US President Donald Trump, who was informed of the tragic situation, said that the shooter, who is also injured, will pay a very high price.
God bless our Great National Guard and all of our military and law enforcement agencies, Trump said in a post on X, adding, “These are truly great people. I, as President of the United States, and all associated with the office of the President, are with you!”
Vice President JD Vance said at the Kentucky event, “We still don’t know the motive. There’s a lot we haven’t figured out yet.”
Meanwhile, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the deaths of the two National Guardsmen in a post on X.
“It is with great sadness that we can confirm that the two members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot today in Washington, DC have died of their injuries.”
However, in another post, Morrisey said they were receiving conflicting reports about the condition of the two Guardsmen and would provide further updates as we received more complete information.
“Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families and the entire Guard community.”
The governor added that they are in constant contact with federal officials as the investigation continues.
Earlier, in a post on X, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said two members of the National Guard had been shot in Washington. However, she did not share any other information.
Emergency vehicles were seen in the area after the shooting, and at least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.
President Donald Trump was on his West Palm Beach golf course at the time of the shooting.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said federal agents are on the scene of the horrific shooting.
Meanwhile, the US Federal Aviation Administration said departures at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were briefly suspended for safety during the shooting near the White House.
“The ground stop has temporarily ‘suspended’ arrivals at Reagan Washington International Airport to accommodate aircraft involved in responding to today’s shooting incident,” the FAA said in a statement.
