President Donald Trump was briefed Wednesday afternoon on the shooting of two National Guard members in downtown Washington, D.C., and is “actively monitoring this tragic situation,” according to a statement from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The Metropolitan Police Department reported around 2:45 p.m. Eastern that it was on the scene of a shooting near the intersection of 17th and I streets NW, just about two blocks from the White House.
MPD reported shortly later on social media that one suspect was in custody.
Trump posted that both guardsmen were “critically wounded” and taken to two separate hospitals. The shooter, he added, was “also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price.”
The White House was placed on lockdown due to the shooting, according to a White House official. Trump and first lady Melania Trump are in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday and were not present at the time of the shooting.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey wrote on social media that the two guardsmen were from the state and that one of them died “according to reports on the ground,” but did not say if he or his office had confirmed that.
“We are in direct contact with our Guard and other officials, and are working to obtain the most accurate information as quickly as possible,” Morrisey wrote.
“Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the extraordinary men and women of our Guard who put themselves on the line every day. West Virginia stands united behind them,” Morrisey added. “We will do everything in our power to support their families as they endure this unimaginable loss and will not rest until justice is served.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on social media that “two National Guardsmen” were shot and that the department was “working with local law enforcement to gather more information.”
The Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump mobilized 800 National Guard members to the district in August, on the grounds of a “crime emergency,” despite a nearly 30-year low in violent crime in the city. In that same action, the president federalized the district’s police force for 30 days. While the federalization of the police force expired, Trump has kept the National Guard in the district.
Since then, Republican governors have agreed to send their own Guard members to the district, from Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina and West Virginia, among others.
Members of Congress responded to the initial reports of the shooting with prayers and gratitude for the service members.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote he was “closely monitoring the situation and am praying for the wounded National Guardsmen and their families.”
“My heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting in Washington DC near the White House,” Schumer wrote. “I thank all the first responders for their quick action to capture the suspect.”
“Praying for the National Guard members wounded in this horrific shooting,” U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote on social media. “Thankful for the brave law enforcement officers and first responders who swiftly apprehended a suspect. There is no place for violence in America.”
Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican and retired lieutenant general in the Iowa National Guard, called for prayers for the victims.
“Join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen shot in D.C. and their families,” she said. “Our men and women in uniform truly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and deserve our greatest respect.”
This is a breaking news report and will be updated.
