Shooting near White House: Trump vows action against ‘animal’ who injured two National Guard soldiers — top developments

One of the most secure areas of Washington was breached on Wednesday when a shooter injured two National Guard troops near the White House. The suspect was also critically injured in the incident and remains in custody.Top officials in the Trump administration scrambled to address the issue as authorities quickly contained the situation.

Here are the top developments:

1) US President Donald Trump was briefed about the incident and called the shooter an “animal.”In a post on Truth Social, the POTUS said: “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. 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!” – President Donald J. Trump”2) FBI director Kash Patel said that they are assisting with the investigation.In a post on X, Patel said: “FBI is engaged and assisting with the investigation in Washington, D.C. after National Guard members were shot this afternoon. Please pray for them and we will update with more information as we are able.”3) West Virginia governor Patrick mourned the death of the two soldiers.The governor said on X: “It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries. These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country.”4) Deputy director of FBI Dan Bongino also adressed the issue“FBI personnel are assisting with the investigation into the shooting of our National Guard members in D.C. Please take a moment and pray for these heroes and their families. God bless America, and all those who defend Her,” said Bongino on X.5) Republican leader Chuck Schumer also weighed in.Taking to X he said: “My heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting in Washington DC near the White House.”“I am closely monitoring the situation and am praying for the wounded National Guardsmen and their families.”“I thank all the first responders for their quick action to capture the suspect.”6) Vice president JD Vance acknowledged the issue in a public appearance.JD Vance on Washington, DC shooting: “I want everybody who’s a person of faith to say a prayer for those two National Guardsmen…it’s a somber reminder that soldiers…are the sword and the shield of the United States of America.”7) Attorney general Pam Bondi said on X: “Federal agents are on the scene of the horrific shooting of 2 National Guardsmen in Washington, DC.” “PRAY for our DC National Guard.”