Donald Trump has issued a response after two National Guardsmen were shot a short distance from the White House in Washington, DC.
The incident was reported on November 26, with West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey saying details about the soldiers’ conditions remained uncertain. He initially stated they had died, but later clarified that information from officials was conflicting.
Reports say the shooting occurred around 2:20 p.m. ET near the entrance of the Farragut West Metro station, close to the busy intersection of 17th and I Street NW. A third person was also shot, though no details about that individual have been released.
DC’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that the suspected shooter, who was also injured, has been taken into custody and transported to a hospital.
Trump was not in Washington at the time of the attack; he is currently in Palm Beach preparing for Thanksgiving. Vice President JD Vance, who is in Kentucky, said investigators have not yet identified a motive.
In a Truth Social post, Trump condemned the shooter, saying the attacker would “pay a very steep price.” He praised the National Guard, military members, and law enforcement, expressing support on behalf of the presidency.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is monitoring the situation and that the president has been briefed. Reuters reported that the White House went into lockdown as a precaution.
Federal agencies, including the FBI, are assisting with the investigation. The incident comes months after Trump ordered a federal takeover of the DC police force and deployed National Guard troops in response to rising crime concerns.
