Nov. 26 (UPI) — Two West Virginia National Guardsmen have died and a suspect is hospitalized after a shooting near the White House on Wednesday afternoon.
The Guardsmen and the shooter were taken to nearby hospitals after the shooting occurred about two blocks northwest of the White House shortly before 2 p.m. EST on Wednesday, WTTG reported.
One suspect is in custody and the scene is secured, the District of Columbia Police Department announced on social media at 1:58 p.m. EST.
The shooting occurred about two blocks northwest of the White House shortly before 2 p.m. EST on Wednesday afternoon.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump has been briefed on the matter and White House staff are monitoring the situation.
The president afterward expressed his support for the two wounded Guardsmen.
“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.
He said the unidentified suspect “will pay a very steep price” for the shooting that so far lacks a known motive.
“God bless our great National Guard and all of our military and law enforcement,” the president said. “These are truly great people.”
The shooting occurred at the intersection of 17th Street and H Street Northwest and might have involved an exchange of gunfire between the Guardsmen and the suspect.
Dozens of police vehicles and police yellow tape have secured and blocked off the shooting scene while the investigation into the matter is underway.
The New York Post reported that U.S. Secret Service members were seen responding to the event, according to a social media post by a Newsmax reporter.
Residents were told by authorities to stay away from the area.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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