In brief
Two National Guard members were critically injured in a shooting incident near the White House on Wednesday. A suspect in custody also sustained injuries. Emergency responders transported all parties to a hospital. The incident has prompted a response from various law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service and local police. Leaders are monitoring the situation closely, and President Trump has been briefed while at his golf course in Florida.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two National Guard members were shot Wednesday near the White House and are in critical condition, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.
A suspect who was in custody also was shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, the source said.
Emergency medical responders transported all three victims to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services.
Police tape cordoned off the scene where emergency fire and police vehicles' lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead. Agents from the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on scene, as National Guard troops stood sentry nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.
The Joint DC Task Force confirmed they responded to the incident after reports of the shooting. The Metropolitan Police Department did not immediately provide more information.
A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that local leaders are actively monitoring the situation. Bowser had spent the morning at a Thanksgiving Day event at the Convention Center before holding a press conference regarding her decision not to seek re-election.
President Donald Trump was at his West Palm Beach golf course when the shooting took place.
“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Hundreds of National Guard members from the district and several states have been patrolling the nation’s capital following President Trump’s emergency order in August to federalize the local police force and send in guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia.