Two members of the National Guard have been shot near the White House in Washington DC.
Authorities have confirmed that a single suspect has been apprehended and the area has been secured.
The White House entered a lockdown shortly after the incident, which occurred just a few blocks away from the renowned building. Reports indicate that neither US President Donald Trump nor Vice President J D Vance were present at that time.
Following the attack, Mr. Trump addressed the situation on his Truth Social platform, stating that the two National Guard members were “critically wounded” and that the suspect, described as an “animal,” was “severely wounded” but would face severe consequences.
Here are the details we have gathered about the incident so far…
The two National Guardsmen injured in Wednesday’s attack have not yet been officially named by authorities. The FBI has provided an update on their condition, indicating they remain in ‘critical condition’.
Initial reports mistakenly claimed that both members had been fatally wounded, prompting the West Virginia governor to release a statement honoring them and stating they had been killed.
Patrick Morrisey remarked: “These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country.”
He later retracted this statement, citing ‘conflicting sources’ that confirmed the guardsmen were still alive but critically injured in a hospital setting.
According to NBC News, which consulted an official and a senior official briefed on the investigation, both guardsmen suffered head injuries.
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET at the entrance to the Farragut West Metro station, situated near the bustling intersection of 17th and I St NW in the capital.
This location is approximately 2-3 blocks from the White House, which was placed under lockdown as a safety measure.
Limited details have been released regarding the suspect’s identity, but it is known that they were ‘seriously wounded’ during the incident prior to being taken into custody.
Eyewitnesses reported that the suspect used a handgun to execute the attack, and preliminary identification by authorities indicates the individual is an Afghan national.
Law enforcement is still working to verify the suspect’s complete details, noting that the individual was not carrying identification at the time of arrest.
No motive has been disclosed yet, with authorities investigating all possible reasons, including the potential of it being a terror-related act.
President Trump, currently in Palm Springs for the Thanksgiving Holidays, addressed the situation 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!”