The United States President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the two National Guard troops shot in Washington were “critically wounded”, adding that the suspect who has been taken into custody by the police was also “severely wounded”.
The National Guard troops were shot just two blocks away from the White House. The suspect was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.
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The US President issued a warning and said that the “animal” who committed the crime “will pay a very steep price” despite his injuries.
“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 wrote in a post on Truth Social.
“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!,” he added.
‘Conflicting reports’ on troops' condition
{{/usCountry}}“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!,” he added.
‘Conflicting reports’ on troops' condition
{{/usCountry}}West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey wrote on X that both the soldiers died due to their injuries minutes before retracting from his statement and saying that they were receiving “conflicting reports” about the condition of the two National Guard troops.
“We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information. Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community,” he wrote on X.
Trump not in DC at the time of shooting
Trump was not present in Washington DC at the time of the shooting on Wednesday. He is at Mar-a-Lago, his residence-cum-resort in Palm Beach Florida.
Describing what had happened, an AFP reporter said that she heard several loud pops near the scene, following which she saw people running away from a busy outdoor area near the White House, Farragut Square.
According to local authorities, there were three casualties in the shooting and all three victims were taken to hospital for urgent treatment.