Donald Trump has spoken out after two National Guardsmen were shot just a few blocks away from the White House in Washington DC.
The president said: “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. 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!”
Donald Trump is not in the White House, instead at his Palm Beach resort ahead of the Thanksgiving celebrations on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance is currently in Kentucky.
Multiple media outlets are reporting the shooting took place at roughly 2:20pm ET at the entrance to the Farragut West Metro station, near the busy 17th and I St NW intersection in the capital.
Police say a suspect has been taken into custody, while Reuters reports the White House has since got into lockdown.
Authorities have confirmed to the BBC that three victims have been taken to hospital. Their condition is said to be ‘critical’, according to Trump.
“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed,” Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, said.
A statement has also come through from the National Guard, with a spokesperson telling CBS News: “We’re aware of the incident and we are working closely with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and other law enforcement agencies.
“The health and safety of our service members is our top priority as we continue to support the citizens and visitors of Washington, DC.”
Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on X: “Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington DC.”
Two National Guards have been shot (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Earlier this year, Trump announced a federal takeover of the capital’s Metropolitan Police Department, which is one of the most drastic actions the POTUS could have took.
The Administration confirmed the National Guard will be deployed in DC to tackle crime, as Trump slams the capital as worse than the ‘worst places on Earth’.
“This is liberation day in D.C., and we’re gonna take our capital back,” Trump told press at the White House.
Trump had declared a ‘public safety emergency’ in Washington, stating the capital is currently a ‘sanctuary for illegal alien criminals’.
“We will bring in the military if it’s needed, by the way,” the president added.
