WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two National Guardsmen were shot Wednesday afternoon just blocks from the White House in what officials describe as a targeted attack. The suspect is in custody.
The shooting happened near I Street and 17th Street NW, approximately a block and a half from the White House.
Officials confirmed the Guardsmen were deployed from West Virginia as part of ongoing National Guard support operations in D.C. They were rushed to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect, who was also injured, is receiving medical care as well.
West Virginia’s governor walked back earlier statements made on social media claiming the Guardsmen had died, saying that his team received “conflicting information” during the developing situation.
President Briefed
President Donald Trump is currently in Florida and is being kept updated on the investigation. He took to social media, calling the shooter an “animal” for carrying out the attack.
The Trump administration, along with Republican governors, recently deployed additional National Guard units to D.C. in an effort to deter rising crime — a move that has sparked demonstrations among some city residents.
Witness Heard Multiple Gunshots
A woman who identified herself as Gonzales told First Source News she was walking near the intersection when the shooting unfolded.
“I was just walking down the street and I heard three-to-four gunshots, and then I saw people running… I just ran to the first bar I saw,” she said.
Gonzales did not witness the actual shooting but saw the Guardsmen on the ground moments later.
“I was so scared… I didn’t know how to react because I saw a lot of people running.”
Investigation Ongoing
Officials say they do not believe there are additional suspects at this time. The investigation remains active.
