Shooting of guards near #White House sparks bipartisan outrage

Lawmakers across the political spectrum began expressing support for the news that two members of the West Virginia National Guard had been shot and killed just blocks from the White House on Wednesday afternoon.

After news of the shooting broke, members of the West Virginia delegation were quick to respond, as were Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump, who called the suspected shooter an “animal.”

“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, both seriously injured, and now in two separate hospitals, is also seriously injured, but regardless, it will pay a very high price,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform as details of the shooting emerged.

“God bless our great National Guard, and all of our military and law enforcement. They are truly great people. I, as President of the United States, and all those associated with the Office of the President, stand with you!”

SHOOTING OF TWO NATIONAL GUARDS IN DC “ABSOLUTELY REPREHENSIBLE,” FORMER FBI AGENT SAYS

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, said he and his wife were “devastated” to hear the news.

Director of the FBI Kash Patel said the two West Virginia National Guardsmen remained in critical condition, correcting an earlier report from Morrisey that both men had died.

West Virginia’s two Republican senators also weighed in, offering their thoughts and prayers, but provided no additional details. Democrats in the state also expressed messages of support.

“Tonight, our hearts are heavy for the two West Virginia National Guard members shot and killed in Washington, D.C.,” Del said. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party, to Fox News. “This cowardly and tragic act of violence should never happen in this country, and our hearts cry for the families who are facing this senseless tragedy.

“This tragedy transcends party lines. Two families will now have to spend Thanksgiving in agony for their loved ones, who did nothing wrong and answered the call of duty. We honor the service, sacrifice and courage of these Soldiers. We hope and pray for the best. These young men and their brothers and sisters in uniform represent the best of us and the best of West Virginia.”

Democrats outside West Virginia also spoke out, including some of the party’s top national leaders, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who criticized “political violence” in his response despite no confirmed reports of a motive.

VANCE SAYS HE PRAYS FOR NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS DRAWED IN D.C.

“There must be zero tolerance for violence – of any kind – against the brave men and women in uniform who selflessly serve our communities and our country,” Newsom said of the shooting. “The shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C. is horrific and unacceptable. Jen and I pray for the service members, their families and the entire National Guard community.”

Maryland’s Democratic Gov. Wes Moore also reached across the aisle to offer assistance to Morrisey.

“We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and we hold the Guard, their families and loved ones in our hearts,” Moore said. “I contacted [Morrisey] And [Capito] to offer any support. We are closely monitoring the situation for updates.

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Metropolitan Police Department Executive Deputy Chief Jeffery Carroll said Wednesday that the lone gunman allegedly “turned the corner” in an “ambush” style attack and opened fire on the two National Guardsmen. Other National Guard members nearby reportedly heard the gunshots and intervened to subdue the suspect after he was shot, Carroll said.

It is still unclear who fired the shot that injured the suspect, and the suspect has not yet been identified.

Alexandra Koch of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.