President Donald Trump issued a forceful and emotional statement Wednesday after two National Guard members were shot near the White House, calling the alleged gunman an “animal” and promising that the perpetrator would “pay a very steep price.” The shooting occurred just a block from the White House grounds, triggering an immediate lockdown and prompting a swift federal response as officials assessed the situation and tended to the wounded service members.
Trump released a message on his Truth Social platform in which he described both Guardsmen as “critically wounded” and said the suspect had also sustained severe injuries. His statement emphasized the bravery of the National Guard and the loyalty he feels toward those who serve on the front line protecting the nation’s capital.
In his post, Trump wrote that “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.” He went on to praise the National Guard, the military, and law enforcement, calling them “truly Great People” and assuring them of his full support as president. He closed with, “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
The shooting occurred in broad daylight near one of the most heavily secured areas in the United States, raising immediate security concerns and prompting emergency protocols. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the president had been fully briefed and that officials were closely monitoring developments. Trump was not on-site during the incident, but communications from the administration signaled a coordinated response involving federal and local law enforcement.
Shortly after Trump’s statement, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrissey, whose state had deployed the Guardsmen to Washington, announced that both had succumbed to their injuries. In a solemn message, Morrissey said that “these brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country,” noting that his office was in communication with federal authorities as the investigation unfolded. He described the incident as a “horrific act” and pledged that West Virginia would “demand full accountability.”
Morrissey’s initial statement sparked widespread expressions of grief and solidarity across the state and beyond. The deaths were framed as a devastating loss, not only for the Guard community but also for the nation as a whole. The governor emphasized the profound sacrifice made by those who serve, especially those stationed far from home to protect the capital.
Shortly afterward, Morrissey issued a follow-up clarification saying that his office had received conflicting information about the Guardsmen’s condition. He retracted his earlier confirmation of their deaths pending more reliable updates and asked the public to keep the soldiers and their families in their prayers. The conflicting reports reflected the chaos typical in the early moments of major emergencies, especially those involving multiple agencies responding simultaneously.
Trump’s forceful remarks made clear that the administration views the attack as an assault not only on two soldiers but on the integrity and security of the nation’s capital—an act he has pledged will be met with unwavering resolve.
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