The United States presidential seat in Washington, D.C., the White House, was temporarily shut down and placed on lockdown on Wednesday after two National Guard personnel were reportedly shot close to the government house.
The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, disclosed the development on her verified X account, stating that two members of the National Guard had been hit.
“Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington D.C. @DHSgov is working with local law enforcement to gather more information.,” her post read.
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that a shooting incident indeed occurred one block from the White House, triggering rapid security escalation in the U.S. capital.
According to law-enforcement briefings, the gun attack happened near the Farragut Square district and specifically around a block near the busy Farragut Metro station.
The shooting comes amid a controversial troop deployment to Washington ordered by President Donald Trump.
Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, said, Trump has been briefed.
“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation,” Leavitt said in a statement
The Washington Police spokesperson noted that officers were immediately deployed to secure the perimeter and investigate the gunfire source.
In an X post, the DC Metropolitan Police said they are at the crime scene and advised people to avoid the area.
The police did not confirm if there were casualties, but law enforcement officials told AP two US national guard members were shot.
Another law enforcement official told the New York Times only one member of the national guard was gunned down.
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