The two National Guard soldiers who were shot today have died, according to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey.
“These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country,” the governor wrote on social media.
“West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act.”
Vance says no motive known for DC shooting
Vice President JD Vance is speaking to military members in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
He starts by encouraging everyone to say a prayer for the victims of the DC shooting, adding that no motive is yet known for the crime.
FBI director says agents are investigating
FBI director Kash Patel has just posted on social media.
He says the FBI is “engaged and assisting with the investigation in Washington, D.C. after National Guard members were shot this afternoon. Please pray for them and we will update with more information as we are able”
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has also commented on X, writing: “Federal agents are on the scene of the horrific shooting of 2 National Guardsmen in Washington, DC. PRAY for our DC National Guard.”
Service member safety is top priority, says National Guard
We’ve just received this statement from the National Guard via the BBC’s US news partner, CBS:
“We’re aware of the incident and we are working closely with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and other law enforcement agencies,” the statement says.
“The health and safety of our service members is our top priority as we continue to support the citizens and visitors of Washington, DC.”
Trump says guardsmen ‘critically wounded’ and suspect ‘severely wounded’
US President Donald Trump has just posted a statement about the shooting on social media.
“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,” the president wrote on Truth Social.
“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement.”
National Guardsmen stand together near scene of shooting
We’ve just received images of National Guardsman standing together near the scene of the shooting, after officials said two guards had been shot.
- What is the National Guard?published at 22:2322:23
Image source,EPATwo shooting victims have been confirmed as members of the National Guard.All 50 US states, as well as Washington DC and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, have their own contingent of National Guard troops.Some units specialise in fighting wildfires or securing the US border, and they can also be deployed abroad.Guard members ultimately report to the US Department of Defence, and can be federalised – or brought under the control of the president – under certain circumstances. However, requests for its support normally start at a state level.National Guard troops have limited power. They do not enforce the law or make arrests.The National Guard were deployed to Washington DC in August as part of what President Trump said was a crackdown on crime and homelessness.Share - Where the shooting happenedpublished at 22:1522:15The map below shows where the shooting took place, in a busy area of Washington DC and just a few blocks from the White House.President Donald Trump is not in Washington DC today, he is at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Suspect in custody – DC police
A suspect has been taken into custody, according to Washington DC Metropolitan Police.
“The scene is secured. One suspect is in custody,” the department posted on X.
Two National Guardsmen shot, says homeland security secretary
Two National Guardsmen have been shot in Washington, DC, just blocks from the White House, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington DC,” she posted on X.
Police respond to scene of shooting
Police in Washington DC are responding to a shooting near the busy 17th and I St NW intersection. Law enforcement officials and emergency medical service personnel are at the intersection, cordoning it off with tape and vehicles.
Emergency services responding
A spokesperson from Joint Task Force DC – which assists federal and local civilian agencies and disaster response teams in the nation’s capital – told the BBC he was aware of the shooting incident.
“We have a response under way right now, we’re just responding to the scene, we’re not going to release details at the moment,” Andrew Enriquez told the BBC.
White House is ‘monitoring’ shooting situation – Leavitt
“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says of the shooting, which police say has taken place just a few blocks from the building.
“The president has been briefed,” Leavitt adds.
Shooting took place a few blocks from White House
The shooting confirmed by police in Washington, DC took place just blocks from the White House, near the intersection of 17th Street Northwest and I Street Northwest.
The area is home to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where many White House staffers work.
Three victims transported to hospital, first responders say
Three victims are being transported to hospital, Washington DC’s fire department and emergency medical services confirm to the BBC.
They did not comment on the condition of the people or who they are.
Shooting incident reported in Washington DC
Police have confirmed multiple people are injured after a shooting in Washington DC.
SOURCE: BBC NEW
