3 months ago
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Washington: Two members of the National Guard have been shot in central Washington DC, two blocks from the White House.
Dozens of police, Secret Service and ambulance vehicles sped to the scene, near the corner of 17th and I streets, about 2.30pm Washington time.
A U.S. Capitol Park Police helicopter is seen on Washington’s National Mall evacuating a National Guard shooting victim on Wednesday.Credit: AP
The two National Guard members were in a critical condition after the shooting, AP reported citing a source. This masthead saw one person being stretchered into a waiting ambulance just after 2.30pm.
A suspect is in custody, the Metropolitan Police Department says. AP reported the suspect had been shot.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on X while the White House said it was on lockdown, with US President Donald Trump away in Florida.
“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Members of the National Guard gather two of their colleagues were shot near the White House.Credit: AP
Trump posted on TruthSocial about the shootings soon after.
“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,” he said.
“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!”
Noem said on X: “Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington DC.”
Hundreds of National Guard members from the district and several states have been patrolling the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump in August issued an emergency order in the capital, federalising the local police force and sending in the guard from eight states and the District of Columbia.
With Reuters, AP
More to come.
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