Two National Guard members shot in Washington near White House; Trump issues first statement

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot just blocks from the White House on Wednesday, and the suspect involved in the shooting was taken into custody.

In a social media post, the Washington Metropolitan Police Department said that the shooting scene is secured and one suspect is in custody.

US President Donald Trump, who was briefed on the tragic situation, said that the shooter, who is also wounded, will pay a very steep price.

God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement, said Trump in a post on X, adding, “These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!"

Speaking from an event in Kentucky, Vice President JD Vance said, “We still don’t know the motive. There’s a lot that we haven’t yet figured out.”

Meanwhile, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the death of both the National Guards in a post on X.

“It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries.”

However, in another post, Morrisey stated that they were receiving conflicting reports about the condition of two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information.

“Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.”

The Governor added that they are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues.

Earlier, in a post on X, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that two members of the National Guard were shot in Washington. However, she gave no other information.

After the shooting, emergency vehicles were seen responding to the area and at least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

President Donald Trump was at his West Palm Beach golf course when the shooting took place.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said that the Federal agents are on the scene of the horrific shooting site.

Meanwhile, the US Federal Aviation Administration said that departures to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were briefly paused due to security amid shooting near the White House.

"The ground stop temporarily ‘paused’ arrivals into Reagan Washington International Airport because of the locations of aircraft involved in responding to today’s shooting incident," the FAA said in a statement.