Washington – Two National Guardsmen have been shot dead near the White House. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed the shooting. He did not initially provide further details.
According to police, the shooting occurred just one block from the White House. The suspected shooter has already been arrested. Media reports indicate that the alleged perpetrator was also shot.
Images on social media also show the alleged perpetrator being pushed into an ambulance on a stretcher.
According to the New York Post, resuscitation efforts were made on one of the National Guard soldiers who was shot. Apparently, they were unsuccessful.
The Associated Press, citing security sources, reports that one of the two National Guardsmen killed was shot in the head. The arrested suspect also suffered gunshot wounds, but these are not life-threatening.
The White House was placed on lockdown after the incident, a presidential spokeswoman said. They are also in close contact with Washington's security authorities. The city leadership, headed by Mayor Muriel Bowser (53), is also"actively monitoring" the situation. US President Donald Trump (79), who is in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday, was briefed on the events.
On his platform “TruthSocial,” Trump declared shortly after the attack that the perpetrator, whom he called an “animal,” was himself seriously injured. He would “pay a very high price.” Trump also emphasized that God should bless the National Guard as well as all military and law enforcement agencies, spoke of “great people,” and assured everyone that he and all associated officials stood behind them.
The crime scene is believed to be in northwest Washington, just two blocks from the White House. The area has been cordoned off extensively, and numerous emergency vehicles from the fire department, Metropolitan Police, Secret Service, and the ATF were on site. At least one helicopter also landed on the National Mall.
Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer (75) also commented shortly after the incident. He stated on"X" that he was following the situation "with great concern" and that his heart broke "for the victims of this horrific act".
