President Donald Trump has launched a fierce verbal attack on the suspected gunman who shot and killed two National Guard members in a brazen afternoon assault near the White House in Washington, D.C.
The deadly incident, which occurred shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, prompted an immediate lockdown of the White House complex and sent shockwaves through the American capital.
Details of the Deadly Attack
The two guardsmen, who were deployed from West Virginia, were shot just north of the White House, close to the busy Farragut West Metro Station. The attack unfolded rapidly, leading to a swift police response.
Washington, D.C. metro police confirmed they have one suspect in custody. The identity and motive of the alleged shooter remain unknown at this time. Authorities have reported that the suspect was 'severely wounded' during the confrontation.
Official Reactions and Fallout
President Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Wednesday afternoon to express his outrage. He 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."
He continued, "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!"
Tragically, shortly after the President's post, the governor of West Virginia confirmed that the two guardsmen had succumbed to their injuries.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration was "aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation" and confirmed the President had been briefed.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also responded, asking the public to join her in praying for the guardsmen and confirming her agency was working with local law enforcement.
Context of the National Guard Deployment
The presence of the National Guard in the district stems from an order given by President Trump in August. The deployment was part of a controversial initiative to crack down on crime in the nation's capital.
This move has been a point of contention, angering some local residents. The legal standing of the deployment was recently challenged, with a federal judge ruling last Thursday that it exceeded the president's legal authority. However, that ruling is on hold for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to appeal.
The White House has defended the deployment, with a spokeswoman criticising a lawsuit from the D.C. Attorney General as an attempt to undermine successful anti-crime operations.
