Two members of the National Guard were critically injured Wednesday in downtown Washington, D.C., just two blocks from the White House, prompting an immediate and robust security response.

According to law enforcement sources, the Guardsmen engaged in a confrontation with a suspect before sustaining gunshot wounds. The suspect was quickly subdued at the scene, placed on a stretcher, and taken into custody.

All three individuals – the two Guardsmen and the suspect – were rushed to separate hospitals. Officials report that the Guardsmen remain in critical condition, while the suspect’s injuries are not considered life-threatening.

At a press briefing, the Metropolitan Police Department’s executive assistant chief stated that the Guardsmen were on “high-visibility patrols” when the suspect “suddenly raised a firearm and discharged at them.” The officer noted that after a brief exchange, law enforcement successfully restrained the suspect.

The FBI described the incident as a “heinous act,” noting that since the victims are federal law enforcement personnel, the investigation will be led at the federal level, with full cooperation from all agencies involved.

President Donald Trump condemned the attack, promising swift justice. On Truth Social, he described the assailant as “the animal that shot the two National Guardsmen” and commended the rapid response of law enforcement and emergency services.

The shooting also briefly disrupted operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. All flights were temporarily halted for 19 minutes to accommodate medevac helicopters, but normal flight operations resumed shortly thereafter, with no cancellations reported.

Authorities have urged residents to avoid the area while investigations continue. The motive for the attack remains unclear, and there is no evidence of additional suspects.