WASHINGTON
Two members of the US National Guard were shot in the nation’s capital Wednesday, with authorities saying there were “conflicting reports” about their condition after initially indicating that the incident had been fatal.
"We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information," West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said in a post on the US social media company X’s platform.
The update came after Morrisey had initially said the two West Virginia National Guard members had “passed away from their injuries” following the shooting near the White House, which had been placed on lockdown.
Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the White House was "aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation," noting that President Donald Trump, who is away for Thanksgiving in the state of Florida, was briefed on the shooting.
Trump had earlier posted on his Truth Social platform that the suspect was "critically wounded" after law enforcement responded to the shooting. He vowed that the shooter would "pay a very steep price."
500 additional National Guard troops to DC
Speaking soon after the shooting, Vice President JD Vance said details surrounding the incident remain unclear.
"We're still learning everything. We still don't know the motive. There's a lot that we haven't yet figured out," Vance told US troops at Fort Campbell in the state of Kentucky.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump asked him for 500 additional National Guard troops after the shooting.
"This happened just steps from the White House, and it will not stand, and President Trump has asked me, and I will ask the Secretary of the Army to the National Guard, to add 500 additional troops, National Guardsmen, to Washington, DC.
"This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington, DC safe and beautiful," Hegseth told reporters in the Dominican Republic.
Suspect in custody
Separately, the DC Police Department said a suspect was in custody.
"MPD is on the scene of a shooting at 17th and I Street, NW," it said.
It added that the scene is secured but urged residents to avoid the area.
Jeffery Carroll, Executive Assistant Chief of Specialized Operations for the Metropolitan Police Department, told reporters that at this time, there was no indication there was any other suspect.
Carroll said the suspect was shot during the interaction and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on X that her department was working with local law enforcement to gather more information.
Other top law enforcement officials also said federal agents were on the scene of the incident, which Attorney General Pam Bondi called a "horrific shooting." FBI Director Kash Patel said his agency was engaged and assisting with the investigation.
Later, Patel told reporters that two Guard members were "brazenly attacked in a horrendous act of violence."
"They're in critical condition," he said.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowseri said it was a "targeted shooting."
'Closely monitoring the situation'
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he was monitoring the situation.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the National Guardsmen who were attacked this afternoon. I urge you to keep them in your prayers too," he said.
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was also "closely monitoring" the situation.
"I thank all the first responders for their quick action to capture the suspect," he added.
House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries, meanwhile, highlighted that there was "no place for violence" in America.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also confirmed that the suspect is now in custody after the "tragic events."
"The National Guard has done heroic work this year, working around the clock to make our nation’s capital safe again. We are forever grateful for the swift actions of law enforcement and for all those who risk their own lives to protect everyone else," he said.
