White House Shuts Down Over Security Threat, Trump Reacts

The White House and several federal buildings in Washington, D.C., were placed on lockdown Wednesday following a shooting incident near the presidential residence that left two National Guard members critically injured.

Authorities said the Guard members were shot while on duty in the vicinity of the White House, prompting an immediate security shutdown across the area. A suspect has since been taken into custody, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially announced that the troops had died but later walked back the statement, noting that he was receiving “conflicting reports” on their conditions.

“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,” he posted on X. “Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.”

President Donald Trump was at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, at the time of the shooting. “The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

National Guard troops have been stationed in the capital for months as part of Trump’s anti-crime initiative.

Reacting on Truth Social, the President condemned the attack in strong terms:
“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.”

In a later statement, Trump added: “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!”

Security has since been tightened around the White House, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area as investigations continue.