President Donald Trump called the shooter of two National Guard members an “animal” on Wednesday, shortly after it was reported they were shot in the nation’s capital, just blocks from the White House.
In a Truth Social post, the president 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!”
Why It Matters
The president said the two National Guard soldiers have been critically wounded and treated in separate hospitals. A suspect has been taken into custody, according to police.
Hundreds of National Guard troops have been stationed in Washington, D.C., since Trump’s August order to bolster law enforcement and crack down on crime in the city.
What To Know
Trump was not at the White House when the shooting occurred. He is celebrating Thanksgiving at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the shooting within minutes, saying: “The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed.”
The D.C. police department wrote in an X post just before 3 p.m. that “one suspect is in custody.” No details about the suspect were publicly released.
Emergency vehicles rushed to the area as authorities responded to reports of gunfire on Wednesday afternoon. The Joint DC Task Force said it was investigating an incident near the White House.
On Tuesday, Trump said the city had not reported any murders in the past six months, a statistic that the Metropolitan Police Department’s data contradicts, reporting 62 between May and November.
What People Are Saying
Homeland Security Kristi Noem, on X on Wednesday: “Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington D.C. @DHSgov is working with local law enforcement to gather more information.”
This is a breaking news story, updates to come.