Two members of the National Guard were shot in Washington on Wednesday, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on X while the White House said it was on lockdown, with President Donald Trump away in Florida.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially said in a X post that the two of the state’s National Guard members who were shot in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday had died of their injuries, before later posting his office was “now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information.”
Police in Washington separately said there was a shooting one block from the White House on Wednesday.
“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,” posted Trump on Truth Social Wednesday afternoon.
“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!” he added.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that Trump has asked for 500 additional troops to be deployed to Washington, D.C., after two National Guard members were shot.
“This happened just steps from the White House and it will not stand and that’s why President Trump has asked me—and I will ask the secretary of the Army to the National Guard—to add 500 additional troops, National Guardsmen, to Washington, D.C.,” Hegseth said.
It was not clear how the suspect had been injured, but CNN reported the two Guard members engaged the attacker in gunfire before they were shot.
The shooting unfolded near Farragut Square, a popular lunch spot for office workers just a few blocks away from the White House. The park, whose light posts are wrapped in wreaths and bows for the holiday season, is flanked by fast-casual restaurants and a coffee shop, as well as two metro stops.
The incident appeared to have triggered a response from the full range of Washington security agencies, from the Secret Service to the Metropolitan Police and the Metro Transit Police.
Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that “[f]ederal agents are on the scene of the horrific shooting … PRAY for our DC National Guard.”
FBI Director Kash Patel also posted on X that the “FBI is engaged and assisting with the investigation … we will update with more information as we are able.”
Vice President JD Vance urged prayers for the 2 National Guard members shot while speaking in Kentucky.
Stacey Walters, 43, was in an Uber near the White House around 2:15 p.m. ET when she heard two loud booms and saw young children and other pedestrians running from the scene.
She said she heard someone yell “Help! Help!” and saw what appeared to be U.S. Secret Service agents running after someone in a hooded sweatshirt.
Trump is at his resort in Palm Beach ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The U.S. Secret Service did not respond to a request for comment.
This is a breaking news article and it may be updated.
(Reporting by Jasper Ward and Jeff Mason; writing by Costas Pitas; editing by Susan Heavey. The Daily Signal’s Katrina Trinko also contributed.)
