Trump warns that the DC shooting suspect who critically wounded two National Guard troops “will pay a very steep price”. [Photo: X]
US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning after two National Guard troops were shot near the White House on Wednesday. Trump said the troops were “critically wounded” and confirmed that the suspect, who was taken into custody, was also “severely wounded.” His remarks have added urgency to the growing concerns about security around key government locations.
The shooting took place just two blocks away from the White House. Police arrested the suspect shortly after the attack. In a post on Truth Social, Trump used sharp language and said the attacker “will pay a very steep price.”
He wrote, “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.”
Trump also praised the National Guard and security forces. He added, “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!”
Soon after the shooting, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey posted on X that both soldiers had died due to their injuries. However, he retracted the statement minutes later, saying the situation remained unclear.
He posted, “We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information. Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.”
Authorities later confirmed that three people, including the two Guard members, were taken to hospitals for urgent treatment.
Trump was at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, when the shooting took place. He had not been in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.
An AFP reporter described hearing several loud pops near Farragut Square, followed by people running from the busy area near the White House. The scene quickly filled with emergency responders. Local authorities confirmed that three casualties from the shooting were taken to nearby hospitals.
The attack has raised fresh questions about security in the high-visibility zone surrounding the White House. With major government buildings, offices, and public spaces located within a short radius, experts say the area requires constant monitoring.
The shooting adds to recent concerns about rising violence and increasing threats against uniformed personnel. Analysts argue that this incident may push the administration to reassess patrol strategies, strengthen surveillance, and expand rapid-response units around federal landmarks.
Some security observers also suggest that the attack could fuel a political debate on whether the National Guard should have a more visible presence in Washington, D.C., especially during times of heightened tensions.
