A gunman ambushed two National Guard soldiers near the White House, leaving both in critical condition. The suspect is in custody and also wounded
WASHINGTON: Two US National Guard soldiers were critically wounded in a targeted shooting near the White House on Wednesday.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed the incident involved a single gunman who has been taken into custody.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated both soldiers were in critical condition following the afternoon attack.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially mistakenly reported the soldiers, deployed from his state, had died.
The shooting occurred at the Farragut West metro station, just two blocks from the White House, during a busy afternoon.
Washington police assistant chief Jeffery Carroll described how the gunman “ambushed” his victims.
“He came around the corner, raised his arm with a firearm and discharged at the National Guard members,” Carroll said.
The suspect was quickly apprehended by other National Guard members and law enforcement personnel.
An AFP reporter near the scene heard several loud pops and witnessed people running from the area.
Dozens of bystanders were caught in the chaos, including Angela Perry who was driving home with her children.
“We heard gunshots. We were waiting at the traffic light and there were several shots,” Perry said.
Security agents immediately flooded the area, establishing a perimeter while a helicopter circled overhead.
The incident represents the most serious involving the National Guard since President Trump began deploying troops to Democratic-run cities.
President Trump, who was at his Florida golf club, described the shooter as an “animal” on his Truth Social platform.
The suspect “is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price,” Trump posted.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced 500 additional troops would deploy to Washington following the shooting.
“This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington, DC safe and beautiful,” Hegseth said.
The National Guard deployments have prompted bitter complaints from local officials and court challenges.
A federal judge ruled last Thursday that Trump’s deployment of thousands of troops in the US capital is unlawful.
Former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe expressed concern about soldiers lacking law enforcement training.
“That adds, I think, a real wild card element to this thing. We don’t really know how those folks would respond if confronted with a violent incident on the street with an armed person,” McCabe told CNN. – AFP
