Two National Guardsmen were shot near the White House in Washington, DC. The US state’s governor, Patrick Morrisey, initially announced on Platform X that the two soldiers had died of their wounds. However, in a later post, he wrote that there were “conflicting reports about the condition of our two bodyguards.” Once reliable information is available, he will share it with the public.
Based on police information, a suspect has been arrested. The AP news agency reported that he had been shot, but that his life was not in danger, citing investigators.
US President Donald Trump was at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, at the time of the incident. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem first reported the incident at X.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform after the incident that both National Guardsmen were seriously injured and taken to two different hospitals. The alleged perpetrator who shot at the National Guard was also seriously injured and had to pay a “very heavy price.” A fire brigade spokesman confirmed that the three injured people had been taken to hospital.
People should avoid the city center
A spokesperson for the presidential office said the presidential office had been closed. Police urge people in Washington DC to avoid the city center. Ronald Reagan Airport temporarily stopped operations for security reasons, but according to operators, it is now operating normally again.
In the summer, Trump ordered the deployment of more than 2,000 National Guard troops to Washington, DC, arguing that the capital was unable to control crime. Crime statistics do not support this narrative.
The capital took legal action against the placement. A federal judge recently declared the operation illegal and ordered it to end. However, he delayed his decision for three weeks to allow the Trump administration to appeal. Therefore, the order will remain in effect till December 11.
The US State National Guard is a military reserve unit and part of the US armed forces. They are usually under state control and are used in natural disasters, riots or other emergencies. However, in certain situations, the US President can also assume command. Special rules apply in the Washington DC capital area.
