Multiple people were shot two blocks north of the White House just before 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, News4 has learned.
At least three people were injured by gunshots at 17th Street and I Street NW, right next to Farragut Square Park, a law enforcement source told News4.
The scene is now secured and a shooting suspect is in custody, the Metropolitan Police Department said on social media just before 3 p.m.
One of the people injured was taken to a hospital via med-evac helicopter. The other two were taken to the hospital by ambulance.
A DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services source tells News4 that one of the victims is in very critical condition, but did not specify which victim it was.
Two of the victims were National Guardsmen, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed. A law enforcement source tells News4 at least one of the guard members was shot in an exchange of gunfire.
Though the shooting took place near the White House, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are both out of the District. Trump is at his home in Mar-a-Lago, while Vance is at Ft. Campbell, an army base on the border between the Tennessee and Kentucky.
President Donald Trump described the two Guardsmen as “critically wounded” in a social media post.
“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. 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!” he said in a Truth Social post.
Two women who were in Franklin Square at the time said they didn’t hear gunshots, but knew something unusual had happened when they saw National Guard members running.
“We saw the National Guard specifically running toward this way and that’s why we were kind of shocked because I’ve never seen National Guards running unless it’s something serious,” said Nyla McGee, who lives in D.C.
“Especially, we saw undercover cars coming in and a helicopter at one point. That’s how I knew it was getting serious,” she said.
Several law enforcement vehicles were at the scene moments after the shooting took place. News4 saw an ambulance and a Park Police vehicle, and NBC News cameras saw several MPD cars parked near Farragut Square Park.
Metro Transit Police said in a social media post that they are also assisting in the investigation, since the shooting happened close to the Farragut West station. Metro customers are asked to avoid the area.
The area is shut down while law enforcement investigates.
No planes were taking off at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as of about 3:20 p.m. because of security concerns and for safety as helicopters flew over D.C. It comes amid heavy Thanksgiving travel.
This is a breaking news story. Refresh this page for updates.
from Local – NBC4 Washington https://ift.tt/Qqbhi4u
0 Comments