On Wednesday, a shooting near downtown Washington, D.C., left two National Guard members injured, just a few blocks away from the White House, putting federal authorities on high alert.
Reports from EFE indicated that two officers were shot, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, as cited by CNN, confirmed the gunfire, stating that an investigation is underway.
Initial accounts suggest that the shooting occurred in close proximity to the presidential complex.
The Metropolitan Police Department of Washington announced that the scene is "secured" and that a suspect has been taken into custody.
According to ABC News, the incident took place at 2:20 p.m. local time near the entrance of Farragut West metro station, which is in the vicinity of the White House.
The Washington police confirmed that a suspect is in custody and the area is secure. The operation involved agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
The condition of the two National Guard members remains unknown, and the White House was temporarily placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure.
President Donald Trump, who is in Florida for Thanksgiving, has been briefed on the situation, according to official spokespersons.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid the area while emergency teams and investigators continue their work at the scene.
As of now, the reasons behind the attack and the identities of those involved have not been disclosed.
"The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. President Donald Trump has been informed," noted Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in an official statement.
A National Guard spokesperson stated that no comments will be made until more information is available regarding the condition of the injured officers and the causes of the incident.
National Guard units from various states have been deployed in the capital as part of President Trump's crime-fighting initiative, which has also been extended to other cities across the nation.
Police have established a security perimeter in the area while federal and local investigators review surveillance footage and witness testimonies to clarify the attack.
President Donald Trump's Statement
President Donald Trump condemned the attack, asserting that the perpetrator "will pay a very high price" for their actions.
In a social media message, the President announced that the two National Guard members remain in critical condition and are hospitalized in different facilities, also confirming that the assailant was injured.
Trump expressed his support for the armed and security forces, describing them as "truly extraordinary people," and emphasized that both he and all members of the Office of the Presidency stand "with them in this difficult time."
Key Details About the Washington Shooting Incident
Where did the shooting near the White House occur?
The shooting took place near the entrance of the Farragut West metro station, just a few blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C.
What is the condition of the injured National Guard members?
The two National Guard members are in critical condition and are receiving treatment in different hospitals.
Has the suspect been apprehended?
Yes, a suspect has been detained, and the scene of the shooting is secured.
How is the White House responding to the incident?
The White House has been temporarily placed on lockdown, and President Trump has been briefed on the situation.