Scene where two National Guard soldiers were shot near the White House in the US. AP=Yonhap News

Two soldiers from the West Virginia National Guard were critically injured after being shot on the 26th (local time) while on patrol near the White House in Washington D.C., the U.S. capital.

The incident, a crime targeting soldiers in the middle of the capital during daylight hours on the day before Thanksgiving, one of the two major holidays in the U.S. when families gather, has sent shockwaves through American society.

The shooter was apprehended at the scene and also sustained serious injuries.

The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. at an intersection two blocks northwest of the White House.

Deputy Chief Jeff Carroll of the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department stated at a press conference, "While the National Guard members were on patrol, a suspect rounded the corner, raised a firearm with his arm, and fired at them."

Deputy Chief Carroll added that the suspect was arrested and detained by other National Guard members present at the scene. While the motive for the crime has not yet been determined, it is believed to be the act of a lone perpetrator.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser commented, "What we do know is that this was a targeted attack. It appears one individual targeted these members."

The injured National Guard members have been transported to a hospital for treatment and are in critical condition.

The perpetrator is also receiving medical treatment at a hospital for critical injuries sustained from gunfire.

There was temporary confusion when West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrissey initially stated on his X (formerly Twitter) account that a National Guard soldier had died from the shooting. However, Governor Morrissey later corrected himself, stating, "We are currently receiving conflicting reports regarding the condition of the two members."

At the press conference, Deputy Chief Carroll clarified that the National Guard soldiers who were shot at were armed at the time, but it is still unclear whether they returned fire or if other National Guard members fired during the apprehension of the suspect.

FBI Director Kathy Patel, who also participated in the press conference, characterized the incident as an "attack on federal law and law enforcement officers" and pledged to lead the investigation in cooperation with relevant agencies.

"The investigation is still in its early stages. We will thoroughly pursue all leads and evidence," Director Patel said.

As a consequence of the incident, the White House was temporarily locked down. President Trump was informed of the incident while staying in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday.

President Donald Trump described the perpetrator as an "animal" on his social media platform, Truth Social, shortly after the incident occurred.

"The animal that shot two National Guard members was also seriously wounded," he stated. "Regardless, they will pay a heavy price."

National Guard troops have been deployed in Washington D.C., the U.S. capital, since August 11th, following President Trump's declaration of a state of emergency, citing the need to crack down on illegal immigration and combat crime.

Over 2,000 National Guard members have since been transferred to federal service, including troops from Washington D.C. itself as well as from other states in the Eastern United States. The soldiers who were injured in this incident originally belonged to the West Virginia National Guard.

This incident occurred amidst fierce debate over President Trump's deployment of military personnel for maintaining public order in some cities, including Washington.

The D.C. city government filed a lawsuit, arguing that the unilateral deployment of the National Guard infringes upon its autonomy. On the 20th, a federal district court granted an injunction prohibiting the deployment of the National Guard, but suspended its enforcement until December 11th.

Following Washington D.C., National Guard troops have also been deployed to Memphis, Tennessee, and President Trump intends to deploy them to cities such as Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, Illinois.

In response, anti-Trump factions have voiced opposition to President Trump's initiative to deploy the National Guard for public safety, through actions such as nationwide "No Kings" protests.

There is speculation that President Trump may use this incident as an opportunity to argue for the necessity of deploying the National Guard to enhance public safety, and potentially increase troop numbers or push for deployments in major cities again.

Immediately, Secretary of Defense (Secretary of War) Pete Hegseth stated, "This incident, occurring just steps from the White House, is unacceptable. President Trump has asked me, and I will ask the Secretary of the Army to deploy an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington."

The arrested suspect is reportedly not cooperating with the investigation, and the specific motive for the crime remains undetermined.

National Guard soldiers shot near the White House. AP Yonhap News

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