National Guard shooting Washington DC: Two members shot near White House, suspect in custody

Washington: Two members of the National Guard have been shot dead in central Washington DC, two blocks from the White House.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrissey confirmed the deaths of two troops from his division of the Guard.

Members of the National Guard gather after two of their colleagues were fatally shot near the White House.Credit: AP

“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,” he 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.”

Dozens of police, Secret Service and ambulance vehicles sped to the scene, near the corner of 17th and I streets, just before 2.30pm Washington time.

Local police and the Secret Service sped to the scene, which was two blocks from the White House.Credit: AP

The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed a suspect had been taken into custody and the site was secure. President Donald Trump said the suspect had been severely wounded.

This masthead saw a person being stretchered into a waiting ambulance just after 2.30pm, and about eight National Guard troops running to the scene. Several blocks around the shooting site, Farragut Square, were blocked off to traffic.