Two National Guardsmen shot near the White House

Two National Guardsmen were shot and killed Wednesday in downtown Washington, one block from the White House. Police initially reported that both were taken to the hospital. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey later said on Platform X that both had lost their lives.

The incident prompted a tightening of security measures not only at the White House but also in the wider downtown area.

The White House went into security lockdown mode, the so-called lockdown, according to press secretary Caroline Leavitt.

President Donald Trump was immediately briefed on the situation. He is currently in Florida. He wrote on the Truth Social platform that the attacker is badly injured but "will pay a very high price regardless".

Authorities immediately launched an investigation. Leavitt confirmed that the administration is in close contact with investigators and is making all necessary arrangements. Meanwhile, the capital's police have arrested a suspect, but the motive for the attack is not yet known.

(reuters, sie)