DC GUNFIRE: Two National Guard troops shot dead just blocks from White House as Trump slams ‘animal’ & West Wing put on lockdown

The two guards were part of the contingent of troops deployed to Washington over the summer

TWO members of the US National Guard have died after they were shot just two blocks from the White House.

The Joint DC Task Force confirmed they were responding to an incident in the vicinity of the White House, which was put on lockdown.

The shooting happened at the corner of 17th and H Streets in the northwest quadrant of the city, roughly two blocks northwest of the White House.

A massive police and National Guard presence was seen near the Farragut West metro station in the area.  President Donald Trump slammed the suspected shooter and called him an “animal”.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that two members of the National Guard were injured in the shooting.  They have now been confirmed dead.

Governor Patrick Morrisey said: “It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries.”

The two guards were part of the contingent of troops deployed to Washington over the summer, it is understood.  A man in military fatigues was seen lying on a stretcher inside an ambulance at the scene.

The DC police department said that a suspect was taken into custody after the shooting.  The suspect was also shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, a law enforcement officer revealed.

Trump wrote on Truth Social: “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!”

Trump was at his West Palm Beach golf course when the shooting took place.  White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed.”

Emergency medical responders transported all three victims to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services.

The scene of the shooting was quickly cordoned off as emergency vehicles’ lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead.

Agents from the US Secret Service were on scene, as National Guard troops stood sentry nearby.  At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.  A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser said that local leaders were actively monitoring the situation.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on social media that he was closely monitoring the shooting and that his “heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting”.