Earlier he confirmed in a statement that the two National Guard soldiers deployed from West Virginia have died after being shot near the White House on Wednesday.
“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,” Morrisey said in a social media post. “These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact.”
According to CNN website, emergency vehicles swarmed the cordoned-off area as local and federal law enforcement responded to the shooting. The two Guardsmen had exchanged gunfire with the suspect before being shot, according to two law enforcement sources. The suspect was also shot by officers, detained at the scene, and transported on a stretcher.
“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,” said President Donald Trump.
Vice President JD Vance said the motive behind the shooting that killed two National Guardsmen in Washington, DC, remains unknown, calling the attack a “somber reminder” of the dangers service members face.A source familiar with the investigation said authorities are not tracking any additional victims beyond the two Guardsmen and the suspect. The motive remains unclear as the investigation is still in its early stages.FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi called for prayers following the deadly attack on the Guardsmen.
DC Metropolitan Police announced on X that the scene is secure and that one suspect is in custody. Officials urged the public to avoid the area as multiple agencies continue processing evidence and gathering witness accounts.
The fallen soldiers were part of a broader National Guard deployment from West Virginia to Washington, DC.