The exact location of the shooting in Washington, D.C.: just two blocks from the White House

A suspect is in custody after two West Virginia National Guardsmen were shot just blocks away from the White House on Wednesday afternoon.

The incident took place at around 2:15 p.m. ET at 17th Street and I Street NW in downtown Washington, D.C., under half a mile from the White House.

“Critical condition”

Muriel Browser, the mayor of D.C., has told a news conference that the two Guardsmen are in “critical condition” after the incident, which she described as a “targeted” attack.

Jeffrey Carroll, the executive assistant chief of D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), said that the suspect - who has not been identified - is also being treated at a local hospital.

Carroll said an armed individual had opened fire on the Guardsmen, before a “back and forth”. Officials were then “able to subdue the individual and bring him into custody”, the MPD assistant chief added.

Kash Patel, the head of the FBI, told the press conference that authorities would “bring anyone responsible for this heinous act of violence to justice”. Carroll said there is “no indication” that more than one person was behind the shooting.

The motive for the attack remains unknown. Speaking from Kentucky, U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance said: “There’s a lot that we haven’t yet figured out.”

Governor walks back death announcement

In the earlier aftermath of the Washington shooting, the West Virginia Governor, Patrick Morrisey, had posted on social media that the Guardsmen had had died from their injuries. However, Morrisey later backtracked on this announcement, citing “conflict reports.”

“Will pay a very steep price”

In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Donald Trump said the shooting had been perpetrated by an “animal”, adding that the suspect stands to “pay a very steep price”.

“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price,” Trump said.

“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”

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