The White House and several adjoining government buildings in Washington DC were briefly placed on lockdown on Wednesday following the shooting of two US National Guard personnel in the heart of the American capital.
The incident occurred near the busy Farragut Metro Station, not far from the White House perimeter, prompting an immediate security response.
Police cordoned off several streets as emergency teams moved in.
In a post on X, the Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that officers were on the scene and urged members of the public to steer clear of the affected area.
The lockdown extended to the Main Treasury Building and the historic Freedman’s Bank Building, according to reports by USA Today.
Confusion Over Guardsmen’s Condition
Initial reactions from West Virginia’s Governor, Patrick Morsey, added to the uncertainty.
The governor had earlier announced on social media that the two guardsmen, believed to be from his state, had died from their wounds.
He described them as “brave West Virginians who lost their lives in the service of their country,” adding that the state would demand full accountability for what he called a “horrific act”.
However, Governor Morsey later backtracked, saying he had received “conflicting reports” about the soldiers’ condition.
He promised to release clearer information once confirmed.
White House Reacts
White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said President Donald Trump had been briefed and that the administration was “actively monitoring this tragic situation”.
National Guard units have been stationed in Washington DC for months under a controversial security deployment ordered by President Trump as part of efforts to crack down on violent crime in the capital.
Several state governors have criticised the move as “cruel” and “needlessly inflammatory”.
No motive for Wednesday’s shooting has been established, and investigations are still ongoing.