Two US National Guard soldiers were critically injured on Wednesday after being shot near the White House in Washington, D.C. Authorities confirmed that a suspect was taken into custody shortly after the incident.
The shooting occurred near Farragut Square, a busy area located about two blocks from the White House. Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots and seeing people flee the scene. Emergency responders transported three gunshot victims from the area, officials said.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged the public to pray for the wounded soldiers, while President Donald Trump, who is currently in Florida, was promptly briefed on the situation. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump condemned the attack and vowed the suspect would face severe consequences.
Security was heightened around the scene, with Secret Service agents visible behind police tape and National Guard personnel moving with weapons drawn. Witnesses described moments of panic as shots were fired.
The attack comes amid ongoing controversy over Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to several Democrat-led cities, including Washington. A federal judge ruled last week that the president’s large-scale deployment of troops to the capital was unlawful, following earlier challenges from states like California.
Authorities have not released details on the suspect’s identity or possible motive. An investigation is underway.
