Two US National Guard soldiers suffered critical injuries on Wednesday just two blocks from the White House in Washington, DC. Police quickly arrested a suspect at the scene following the shooting.
Gunfire Erupts in Downtown Washington
AFP reporters at Farragut Square, a busy area near the White House and a subway station, heard several gunshots and saw people running for safety. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged the public to pray for the victims, calling the incident “tragic.”
Suspect Apprehended
Authorities transported three victims with gunshot wounds from the area. The suspect, also severely injured, remains in custody. Former US President Donald Trump, currently in Florida, condemned the attack as “tragic” and warned the perpetrator would “pay a very steep price.”
National Guard and Secret Service Respond
Witnesses said National Guard soldiers moved quickly, weapons drawn, toward the metro. Secret Service agents secured the perimeter behind yellow police tape. Local resident Angela Perry recalled, “We heard gunshots while waiting at a traffic light. You could see the National Guard moving swiftly toward the metro.”
Context of National Guard Deployment
Trump deployed National Guard troops to Washington, Los Angeles, and Memphis to assist local law enforcement in fighting crime and enforcing immigration policies. Courts have challenged his domestic use of the Guard; a federal judge ruled last Thursday that his deployment in the US capital was unlawful. California also opposed troop deployments earlier this year during protests in Los Angeles.
Authorities Continue Investigation
Investigators are actively examining the motive behind the shooting. Both wounded soldiers receive critical care in separate hospitals. Police maintain a tight security cordon around Farragut Square as they continue questioning witnesses and gathering evidence.
