Two National Guardsmen have been shot near the White House; according to authorities, both are in critical condition. Police stated that the suspected perpetrator has been taken into custody.

Two US National Guardsmen were shot dead near the White House in Washington. According to police, the incident occurred two blocks northwest of the White House, near the Farragut West metro station.

The two guardsmen are in"critical condition," FBI Director Kash Patel and Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a press conference. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially wrote on the X platform that the National Guardsmen from his state had succumbed to their injuries. Later, however, he wrote that there were conflicting reports about their condition.

The suspect was arrested.

US President Donald Trump, currently in Florida, referred to the alleged shooter as an"animal" after the attack on Truth Social was announced. He stated that the shooter was also seriously injured and would"pay a heavy price."

Earlier, police in Washington announced that shots had been fired about a block from the White House. The suspected gunman was taken into custody. According to the Associated Press, he was also shot but his injuries were not life-threatening.

People should avoid the area; further information will follow, Washington police said. The White House has been locked down, a White House spokeswoman said. The motives for the attack are still unclear.

Trump wants 500 additional National Guard troops for Washington

Vice President JD Vance called on all US citizens to pray for the two National Guardsmen. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth stated that President Trump had ordered the deployment of 500 additional guardsmen to Washington in response to the shooting."This happened just steps from the White House, and that is unacceptable," Hegseth said of the incident.

Trump ordered a controversial deployment of the National Guard to Washington this summer, arguing that the capital was failing to control crime. Despite legal challenges against the troops' presence, they remain on the ground.

The National Guard is a military reserve unit and part of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is normally under the control of the individual states and is deployed in situations such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or other emergencies. In certain situations, however, the president can assume command. Special rules apply to Washington.