2 National Guard Members Injured In Shooting Near White House

WASHINGTON, DC — Two National Guard members were shot on Wednesday near the White House in what the mayor of Washington, D.C. called a "targeted shooting."

Both victims were from West Virginia, Gov. Patrick Morrisey confirmed on social media.

The West Virginia governor initially said the troops had died, but later walked back the statement to say the office was “receiving conflicting reports about their condition.” The governor’s office did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press about the attack and the condition of the troops.

Around 5:20 p.m., Mayor Muriel Bowser called the shooting "horrific and unconscionable."

"We can confirm that a suspect is in custody for this targeted shooting and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," she said.

In a statement shared on social media, the Metropolitan Police Department said the shooting occurred Wednesday afternoon at 17th and I Street Northwest, near Farragut Square, and later confirmed a suspect was in custody.

The suspect was also shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. One National Guard member was shot in the head, according to the official.

Jeffery Carroll, an executive assistant chief at the Metropolitan Police Department, said the suspect in custody for shooting two National Guard members “came around the corner” and “immediately started firing a firearm” at the troops, according to video reviewed by law enforcement.

Carroll said the National Guard in the area heard the gunfire and immediately responded.

Responding law enforcement were then able to “hold down the suspect after he had been shot.”

Around 2:40 p.m., Metrorail officials said the 17th Street entrance at Farragut West Station was closed due to the investigation. The west side (18th Street) entrance remains open.

President Donald Trump was at his West Palm Beach golf course when the shooting took place.

In a statement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had been briefed on the shooting.

"The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation,” she said.

Hundreds of National Guard members from the district and several states have been patrolling the nation’s capital after Trump issued an emergency order in the capital in August, federalizing the local police force and sending in the guard from eight states and the District of Columbia.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.