A tragic shooting in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday claimed the lives of two National Guard members near the White House, prompting a lockdown and massive security response. President Donald Trump was in Florida at the time, while Vice President JD Vance was in Kentucky.
The victims, both from West Virginia, were confirmed dead by Governor Patrick Morrisey, who mourned their loss on social media. Authorities reported that one suspect was taken into custody, though details about how the suspect was injured remain unclear. Reports suggest the two Guardsmen engaged the attacker in a gunfire exchange before succumbing to their injuries.
The shooting occurred near Farragut Square, a busy area popular with office workers, restaurants, and metro stations. Witnesses described chaotic scenes with pedestrians, including children, fleeing as law enforcement pursued the suspect.
The full range of Washington security forces, including the Secret Service, Metropolitan Police, and Metro Transit Police, responded immediately to secure the area.
National Guard troops have been deployed to Washington since August as part of federal efforts to support law enforcement and address rising crime in the city. Following Wednesday’s shooting, President Trump requested an additional 500 troops to bolster security, according to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.
“This happened just steps from the White House and it will not stand,” Hegseth said, announcing the deployment of extra National Guard personnel to the capital.
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