Two National Guard soldiers were shot this Wednesday, November 26, near the White House in Washington, a police source in the North American capital said, adding that a suspect was detained.
The two men were shot near the White House and their condition is unknown, according to two police officials who spoke to the Associated Press (AP) on condition of anonymity.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the two were injured in the shooting.
“Please join me in praying for the two National Guard members who were shot just moments ago in Washington, D.C.”stressed Noem, on social media.
Emergency vehicles were seen heading to the area and at least one helicopter landed in the area.
The Metropolitan Police Department said it was assigned to a shooting but did not immediately provide further information.
A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser said local authorities are actively monitoring the situation.
The mayor was in the city when the incident occurred, while President Donald Trump was at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, according to the AP.
“The White House is aware of and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The president has already been informed”assured the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt.
Hundreds of National Guard members from the District of Columbia and several states have been patrolling the nation’s capital since President Donald Trump issued an emergency order in August for the capital, federalizing the local police force and deploying the National Guard from eight states and the District of Columbia.