Two National Guard troops have reportedly died after a shooting blocks away from the White House in Washington DC.
“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,” Governor Patrick Morrisey wrote on X.
“These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues.
“Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community. West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act.”
In an update roughly 30 minutes later, Governor Morrisey seemingly retracted his earlier statement, writing on X that “we are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our 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.”
Police in Washington said a suspect had been arrested.
In an earlier post on X, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the shooting, and said her department was “working with local law enforcement to gather more information”.
“Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington DC,” Ms Noem wrote.
Donald Trump, who is in Palm Beach, Florida, for Thanksgiving, also responded earlier to the shooting in a post on his Truth Social platform.
“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price,” the President wrote.
“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!”
Vice President JD Vance, who is visiting the Fort Campbell army base in Kentucky, said the shooting is “a sombre reminder that soldiers, whether they’re active duty, reserve or National Guard, our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America”.
Members of the US Secret Service were photographed responding to the incident after a barrage of gunfire rang out near the Farragut Square, a popular and busy outdoor area about a five-minute walk from the White House.
Witnesses told one observer that the gunman fired at least seven shots, according to The New York Post.
Photos in the aftermath of the incident appeared to show one of the troops was struck in the head.
An AFP reporter near the scene said she heard several loud pops that sounded like gunshots, and then saw people running away from Farragut Square.
Local authorities confirmed that emergency services responded to and transported three gunshot victims from the area.
Secret Service were seen behind yellow police tape, their guns drawn.
“We heard gunshots. We were waiting at the traffic light and there were several shots,” Angela Perry, who was in her car with her two children, told AFP.
“You could see National Guard running toward the metro with their weapons drawn.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said officials were “aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation”.
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote in a post ON X that the bureau “is engaged and assisting with the investigation in Washington, D.C. after National Guard members were shot this afternoon”.
“Please pray for them and we will update with more information as we are able,” he wrote.
The shooting comes amid Mr Trump’s highly contentious deployment of National Guard troops to Democratic-run cities including Washington, Los Angeles and Memphis to combat crime and help enforce his crackdown on undocumented migrants.
Last Thursday, a federal judge ruled that the President’s deployment of thousands of troops in the US capital is unlawful.
His extraordinary domestic use of the Guard was also challenged by California earlier this year, after Mr Trump sent troops to LA to quell protests sparked by the rounding up of undocumented migrants.
