Two members of the US National Guard were shot on Wednesday in Washington, DC, near the White House. Without further details, Homeland Security Minister Kristi Noemová announced it on the X platform. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on Platform X shortly afterwards that they had died of their injuries. TASR informs about it on the basis of AP and AFP reports and NBC News television.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that the two members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot today in Washington, DC have died of their injuries,” Morrisey wrote.
Local police said the shooting happened about a block from the White House and the suspected shooter was taken into custody. Access to the White House was blocked after the incident.
The international airport has suspended flights
Emergency vehicles arrived in the area where the shooting took place. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall. Members of the United States Secret Service (USSS), which is responsible for the security of members of the government, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are also present.
A spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it had suspended flights at Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport “for safety reasons” as it is located near the scene.
US President Donald Trump was informed about the incident. He is currently in Florida, where he traveled for Thanksgiving on Friday.
“The White House is aware of this tragic situation and is actively monitoring it. The President has been informed,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
Donald Trump called the killer an “animal”
Trump has since commented on the incident on his Truth Social platform. He called the suspect an “animal” and said he would “pay a very high price.”
“The animal that shot two National Guardsmen, both of whom are critically injured and in two separate hospitals, is also seriously injured, but will pay a very high price regardless,” Trump wrote while those shot were still alive.
He also praised the National Guard, the army and the security forces. He called them “really great people” who have his support.
In August, Trump ordered the deployment of hundreds of National Guard members from eight US states in Washington against the will of local authorities. He justified it by the high crime rate.
