JUST IN: TWO NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS SHOT DEAD NEAR WHITE HOUSE, SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were fatally shot on Wednesday in downtown Washington, D.C., near the White House, according to a statement issued by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey.

“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,” Morrisey said. “These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country… We will demand full accountability for this horrific act.”

The victims have been identified as a male and female guard member, a law enforcement official confirmed. Their names have not yet been released.

The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that a suspect is in custody. The individual, believed to be the gunman, is reported to be in critical condition. The shooting occurred around 2:20 p.m. ET at the entrance of the Farragut West Metro station, triggering an immediate lockdown of the White House.

Multiple federal agencies including U.S. Marshals, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the FBI responded to the incident. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said her agency was working with local authorities to investigate further.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump had been briefed and that the White House remained on lockdown. Trump is currently in Florida, spending Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago.

On his social media platform, Trump wrote: “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen… will pay a very steep price. God bless our Great National Guard… These are truly Great People.”

The National Guard has been deployed in the U.S. capital since President Trump ordered a federal takeover of D.C. in August. Currently, 2,188 Guard personnel are assigned to Washington.

During the White House turkey pardon event on Tuesday, Trump cited improved security in the capital, describing it as “a totally safe city”.

Vice President JD Vance addressed the incident while speaking to U.S. troops in Texas, where he helped serve meals ahead of Thanksgiving.

“We’re still learning everything… It’s a somber reminder that soldiers… are the sword and the shield of the United States,” Vance said.

Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the attack. Investigations are continuing.