West Virgina Governor Patrick Morrisey said there were conflicting reports over the condition of the two guardsmen
Two members of the US National Guard have been shot near the White House in Washington DC.
The military personnel were fired at just two blocks away from the White House, it has been reported.
One suspect has been arrested while the immediate area has been secured.
The suspect came around a corner and began firing at the Guard soldiers, who were on a high-visibility patrol near the corner of 17th and I streets, Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll said.
Both victims were in critical condition, FBI Director Kash Patel said at a press briefing.
“This is a targeted attack,” Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
Donald Trump was not in the Washington building at the time, having travelled to Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday. US Vice President JD Vance was in Kentucky.
In a social media post, Trump called the suspected shooter an “animal” who would “pay a very steep price” and praised the National Guard.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially posted on X that the two guardsmen had been killed.
He later clarified, writing on X: “We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information.
“Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.”
Earlier, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had called on social media for people to join her “in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington D.C.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the White House was “aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation,” the president “has been briefed” and the White House was in lockdown.
Departures to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were briefly grounded for security reasons.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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!”
Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said the shooting took place one block from the White House on Wednesday and a suspect had been taken into custody.
Police tape cordoned off the scene, in the northwest quadrant of the city, with emergency fire and police vehicles in attendance and one helicopter on the National Mall.
Agents from the US Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also on scene, as National Guard troops stood sentry.
Stacey Walters was in an Uber near the White House around 2:15pm local time when she heard two loud booms and saw young children and other pedestrians running from the scene.
She said she heard someone yell “Help! Help!” and saw what appeared to be US Secret Service agents running after someone in a hooded sweatshirt.
In a post on social media, the Washington DC Police Department said: “MPD is on the scene of a shooting at 17th and I Street, NW.
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“Please avoid the area as MPD and our partners work to secure the scene.”
Later adding: “The scene is secured. One suspect is in custody.”
A spokesperson for Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said that local leaders were actively monitoring the situation.
