Two National Guard soldiers are fighting for life after being shot near the White House in Washington DC on Wednesday afternoon. A suspect is in custody after the shootout near Farragut Metro station, just one block from the presidential residence.
The shooting occurred around 2:15pm at 17th and I Street NW. The two soldiers sustained serious injuries while the suspect, who was also shot, suffered non-life-threatening wounds. DC Police secured the scene within 20 minutes and confirmed: «The scene is secured. One suspect is in custody.»
Presidential Response
President Donald Trump issued a sharp statement from Florida, where he was celebrating Thanksgiving at his West Palm Beach golf course. He called the shooter an «animal» who «will pay a very steep price.» Trump added: «God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!»
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed the administration was monitoring the situation: «The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed.»
Security Lockdown
The area around the White House went into immediate lockdown. Armed police and helicopters swarmed the scene, with the Secret Service rapidly deployed. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrived to assist with the investigation.
NTD reporter Mari Otsu witnessed the shooting from her Uber: «I was in an Uber to work, with my cameraman, and heard multiple shots fired as we passed Farragut West. A member of the National Guard fell while others rushed onto the scene.»
National Guard Deployment
Hundreds of National Guard members have been patrolling the US capital following President Trump's emergency order in August. The order placed the local police force under government control and deployed guard members from eight states and the District of Columbia.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called for prayers: «Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington D.C.» She added: «DHS is working with local law enforcement to gather more information.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
