Washington DC shooting Trumps furious statement as two Guardsmen critical

In a furious statement on Truth Social, Donald Trump said the suspect who shot two National Guardsmen in Washington DC this afternoon ‘will pay a very steep price’

Donald Trump has issued a furious statement on social media after two National Guard members were shot near the White House.

The US president was at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, when the shooting took place in Washington DC this afternoon. However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had been briefed. She added the White House, which has been placed on lockdown, was monitoring the situation.

Shortly after, Trump shared a statement on social media, saying the National Guardsmen were “critically wounded” and adding they were taken to two separate hospitals. He said the suspect, who was also “severely wounded”, would “pay a very steep price.”

He wrote on Truth Social: “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!”

Shortly after Trump issued his statement, West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey said two National Guardsmen had died. He tweeted: “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. We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues.

“Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community. West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act.”

However, the governor has since walked back on this statement and said there were conflicting reports regarding their conditions. He tweeted: “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.”

During a press conference in Washington DC, the city’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, and FBI director Kash Patel confirmed the two injured soldiers are in critical condition in hospital. “This is a targeted shooting,” Mayor Bowser said.